Inbred corn plant NL054B and seeds thereof

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, there is provided inbred corn plants, separately designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the fore-mentioned inbred corn plants and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing one of the inbred plants with itself or with another corn plant, such as another inbred. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing any of the inbred plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU with another corn plant, such as another inbred, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of the inbred corn plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU, and also to the RFLP and genetic isozyme typing profiles of such inbred corn plants.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/384,266, filed Feb. 3, 1995 now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of corn breeding. In particular, the invention relates to inbred corn seed and plants designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU, and derivatives and tissue cultures of such inbred plants.

II. Description of the Background Art

The goal of field crop breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits include greater yield, better stalks, better roots, resistance to insecticides, pests, and disease, tolerance to heat and drought, reduced time to crop maturity, better agronomic quality, and uniformity in germination times, stand establishment, growth rate, maturity, and fruit size.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower on a different plant.

Corn plants (Zea mays L.) can be bred by both self-pollination and cross-pollination. Both types of pollination involve the corn plant's flowers. Corn has separate male and female flowers on the same plant, located on the tassel and the ear, respectively. Natural pollination occurs in corn when wind blows pollen from the tassels to the silks that protrude from the tops of the ears.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants produce a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of gene loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity make performance unpredictable.

The development of uniform corn plant hybrids requires the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection breeding methods are used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more inbred plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new inbred plants are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new inbreds are crossed with other inbred plants and the hybrids from these crosses are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

The pedigree breeding method for single-gene traits involves crossing two genotypes. Each genotype can have one or more desirable characteristics lacking in the other; or, each genotype can complement the other. If the two original parental genotypes do not provide all of the desired characteristics, other genotypes can be included in the breeding population. Superior plants that are the products of these crosses are selfed and selected in successive generations. Each succeeding generation becomes more homogeneous as a result of self-pollination and selection. Typically, this method of breeding involves five or more generations of selfing and selection: S₁→S₂; S₂→S₃; S₃→S₄; S₄→S₅, etc. After at least five generations, the inbred plant is considered genetically pure.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossing transfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or source to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished for example by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to a donor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate gene(s) for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are then mated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection in the resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from the non-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations with selection for the desired trait, the progeny are heterozygous for loci controlling the characteristic being transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almost all other genes. The last backcross generation would be selfed to give pure breeding progeny for the gene(s) being transferred.

A single cross hybrid corn variety is the cross of two inbred plants, each of which has a genotype which complements the genotype of the other. The hybrid progeny of the first generation is designated F₁. Preferred F₁ hybrids are more vigorous than their inbred parents. This hybrid vigor, or heterosis, is manifested in many polygenic traits, including markedly improved higher yields, better stalks, better roots, better uniformity and better insect and disease resistance. In the development of hybrids only the F₁ hybrid plants are sought. An F₁ single cross hybrid is produced when two inbred plants are crossed. A double cross hybrid is produced from four inbred plants crossed in pairs (A×B and C×D) and then the two F₁ hybrids are crossed again (A×B)×(C×D).

The development of a hybrid corn variety involves three steps: (1) the selection of plants from various germplasm pools; (2) the selfing of the selected plants for several generations to produce a series of inbred plants, which, although different from each other, each breed true and are highly uniform; and (3) crossing the selected inbred plants with unrelated inbred plants to produce the hybrid progeny (F₁). During the inbreeding process in corn, the vigor of the plants decreases. Vigor is restored when two unrelated inbred plants are crossed to produce the hybrid progeny (F₁). An important consequence of the homozygosity and homogeneity of the inbred plants is that the hybrid between any two inbreds is always the same. Once the inbreds that give a superior hybrid have been identified, hybrid seed can be reproduced indefinitely as long as the homogeneity of the inbred parents is maintained. Conversely, much of the hybrid vigor exhibited by F₁ hybrids is lost in the next generation (F₂). Consequently, seed from hybrid varieties is not used for planting stock. It is not generally beneficial for farmers to save seed of F₁ hybrids. Rather, farmers purchase F₁ hybrid seed for planting every year.

North American farmers plant over 70 million acres of corn at the present time and there are extensive national and international commercial corn breeding programs. A continuing goal of these corn breeding programs is to develop high-yielding corn hybrids that are based on stable inbred plants that maximize the amount of grain produced and minimize susceptibility to environmental stresses. To accomplish this goal, the corn breeder must select and develop superior inbred parental plants for producing hybrids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides corn plants designated, separately, GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU. Also provided are corn plants having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, as exemplified by corn plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of corn plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU.

The inbred corn plants of the invention may further comprise, or have, a cytoplasmic factor that is capable of conferring male sterility. Parts of the corn plants of the present invention are also provided, such as, e.g., pollen obtained from an inbred plant and an ovule of the inbred plant.

The invention also concerns seed of the corn plant NL054B; which have been deposited with the ATCC. The invention thus provides inbred

corn seed designated NL054B and having ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.

The inbred corn seed of the invention may be provided as essentially homogeneous populations of inbred corn seed designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. Essentially homogeneous populations of inbred seed are those that consist essentially of the particular inbred seed and are generally purified free from substantial numbers of other seed, so that the inbred seed forms between about 90% and about 100% of the total seed, and preferably, between about 95% and about 100% of the total seed. Most preferably, an essentially homogeneous population of inbred corn seed will contain between about 98.5%, 99%, 99.5% and about 100% of inbred seed, as measured by seed grow outs.

In any event, even if a population of inbred corn seed was found, for some reason, to contain about 50%, or even about 20% or 15% of inbred seed, this would still be distinguished from the small fraction of inbred seed that may be found within a population of hybrid seed, e.g., within a bag of hybrid seed. In such a bag of hybrid seed offered for sale, the Governmental regulations require that the hybrid seed be at least about 95% of the total seed. In the practice of the present inventors, the hybrid seed generally forms at least about 97% of the total seed. In the most preferred practice of the inventors, the female inbred seed that may be found within a bag of hybrid seed will be about 1% of the total seed, or less, and the male inbred seed that may be found within a bag of hybrid seed will be negligible, i.e., will be on the order of about a maximum of 1 per 100,000, and usually less than this value.

The populations of inbred corn seed of the invention are further particularly defined as being essentially free from hybrid seed. The inbred seed populations may be separately grown to provide essentially homogeneous populations of inbred corn plants designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue culture of regenerable cells of inbred corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating plants having the physiological and morphological characteristics of one of the foregoing inbred corn plants, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as one of the foregoing inbred corn plants. Preferably, the regenerable cells in such tissue cultures will be embryos, protoplasts, meristematic cells, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, silk, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks or stalks. Still further, the present invention provides corn plants regenerated from one of the tissue cultures of the invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides for single gene converted plants of GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. The single transferred gene may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the single transferred gene will confer such traits as male sterility, herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, and industrial usage.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides processes for preparing corn seed or plants, which processes generally comprise crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent corn plants is the inbred corn plant designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. These processes may be further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid corn seed or plants, wherein a first inbred corn plant is crossed with a second, distinct inbred corn plant to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, the inbred corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU.

In a preferred embodiment, crossing comprises planting, in pollinating proximity, seeds of the first and second parent corn plant, and preferably, seeds of a first inbred corn plant and a second, distinct inbred corn plant; cultivating or growing the seeds of said first and second parent corn plants into plants that bear flowers; emasculating the male flowers of the first or second parent corn plant, i.e., treating the flowers so as to prevent pollen production, in order to produce an emasculated parent corn plant; allowing natural cross-pollination to occur between the first and second parent corn plants; and harvesting the seeds from the emasculated parent corn plant. Where desired, the harvested seed is grown to produce a corn plant or hybrid corn plant.

The present invention also provides corn seed and plants produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent corn plants is the inbred corn plant designated GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. In one embodiment, corn plants produced by the process are first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plants produced by crossing an inbred in accordance with the invention with another, distinct inbred. The present invention further contemplates seed of an F₁ hybrid corn plant.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the invention provides the following F₁ hybrid corn plants and seed thereof:

hybrid corn plant designated DK706, having GMLEA and 6F905, both inbreds of the invention, as parents;

hybrid corn plant designated DK446, having 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1, both inbreds of the invention, as parents;

hybrid corn plant designated DK604, having WDAQ2 and 01IBH2, both inbreds of the invention, as parents;

hybrid corn plant designated DK527, having 01IBH2 and FBMU, both inbreds of the invention, as parents;

hybrid corn plant designated DK474, having 91DFA-5 as one inbred parent;

hybrid corn plant designated DK642, having WDDQ1 as one inbred parent;

hybrid corn plant designated DK560, having 85DGD1 as one inbred parent;

hybrid corn plant designated DK566, having PHEI4 as one inbred parent;

hybrid corn plant designated DK442, also having 01IBH2 as one inbred parent; and

hybrid corn plant designated DK626, having NL054B as one inbred parent.

It should be noted here that although the present invention provides 12 inbreds, the details concerning only 10 exemplary hybrids are set forth herein. This results from the crossing of certain of the claimed inbreds with other inbreds of this invention. Four hybrids are disclosed herein that have both parents from the presently claimed inbreds, namely DK706, DK446, DK604, and DK527. Also, the inbred 01IBH2 is employed to generate three different, particularly successful hybrids. Accounting for these various combinations results in the ten hybrids disclosed herein that have commercially advantageous features. Table 30 is provided herein for instant cross-reference of the disclosed inbreds and exemplary hybrids.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides inbred genetic complements of corn plants designated, separately, GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a corn plant, or a cell or tissue of that plant. An inbred genetic complement thus represents the genetic make up of an inbred cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. The invention thus provides corn plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance with the inbred corn plant cells disclosed herein, and plants, seeds and diploid plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. Thus such corn plant cells may be defined as having an RFLP genetic marker profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table 52, Table 53, Table 54, Table 55, Table 56, Table 57, Table 58, Table 59, Table 60, Table 61, Table 62 or Table 63; or a genetic isozyme typing profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table 64, Table 65, Table 66, Table 67, Table 68, Table 69, Table 70, Table 71, Table 72, Table 73, Table 74 or Table 75; or having both an RFLP genetic marker profile and a genetic isozyme typing profile in accordance with the profiles shown in Tables 52 and 64; Tables 53 and 65; Tables 54 and 66; Tables 55 and 67; Tables 56 and 68; Tables 57 and 69; Tables 58 and 70 ; Tables 59 and 71; Tables 60 and 72; Tables 61 and 73; Tables 62 and 74; or as shown in both Tables 63 and 75.

In another aspect, the present invention provides hybrid genetic complements, as represented by corn plant cells, tissues, plants and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of an inbred corn plant of the invention with a haploid genetic complement of a second corn plant, preferably, another, distinct inbred corn plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a corn plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid genetic complement of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Definitions

Barren Plants: Plants that are barren, i.e. lack an ear with grain, or have an ear with only a few scattered kernels.

cg: Colletotrichum graminicola rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

CLN: Corn lethal necrosis (combination of Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus and Maize Dwarf Mosaic virus) rating: numerical ratings are based on a severity scale where 1=most resistant to 9=susceptible.

Cn: Corynebacterium nebraskense rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Cz: Cercospora zeae-maydis rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Dgg: Diatraea grandiosella girdling rating (values are percent plants girdled and stalk lodged).

Dropped Ears: Ears that have fallen from the plant to the ground.

Dsp: Diabrotica species root ratings (1=least affected to 9=severe pruning).

Ear-Attitude: The attitude or position of the ear at harvest scored as upright, horizontal, or pendant.

Ear-Cob Color: The color of the cob, scored as white, pink, red, or brown.

Ear-Cob Diameter: The average diameter of the cob measured at the midpoint.

Ear-Cob strength: A measure of mechanical strength of the cobs to breakage, scored as strong or weak.

Ear-Diameter: The average diameter of the ear at its midpoint.

Ear-Dry Husk Color: The color of the husks at harvest scored as buff, red, or purple.

Ear-Fresh Husk Color: The color of the husks 1 to 2 weeks after pollination scored as green, red, or purple.

Ear-Husk Bract: The length of an average husk leaf scored as short, medium, or long.

Ear-Husk Cover: The average distance from the tip of the ear to the tip of the husks. Minimum value no less than zero.

Ear-Husk Opening: An evaluation of husk tightness at harvest scored as tight, intermediate, or open.

Ear-Length: The average length of the ear.

Ear-Number Per Stalk: The average number of ears per plant.

Ear-Shank Internodes: The average number of internodes on the ear shank.

Ear-Shank Length: The average length of the ear shank.

Ear-Shelling Percent: The average of the shelled grain weight divided by the sum of the shelled grain weight and cob weight for a single ear.

Ear-Silk Color: The color of the silk observed 2 to 3 days after silk emergence scored as green-yellow, yellow, pink, red, or purple.

Ear-Taper (Shape): The taper or shape of the ear scored as conical, semi-conical, or cylindrical.

Ear-weight: The average weight of an ear.

Early Stand: The percent of plants that emerge from the ground as determined in the early spring.

ER: Ear rot rating (values approximate percent ear rotted).

Final Stand Count: The number of plants just prior to harvest.

GDUs to Shed: The number of growing degree units (GDUs) or heat units required for an inbred line or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants shedding pollen as measured from time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the Barger Method, where the heat units for a 24-hour period are calculated as GDUs=[Maximum daily temperature+Minimum daily temperature)/2]−50. The highest maximum daily temperature used is 86 degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest minimum temperature used is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. GDUs to shed is then determined by summing the individual daily values from planting date to the date of 50 percent pollen shed.

GDUs to Silk: The number of growing degree units for an inbred line or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence as measured from time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the same methodology as indicated in the GDUs to shed definition.

Hc2: Helminthosporium carbonum race 2 rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Hc3: Helminthosporium carbonum race 3 rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Hm: Helminthosporium Maydis race 0 rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Ht1: Helminthosporium turcicum race 1 rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection. Ht2: Helminthosporium turcicum race 2 rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

HtG:

+=Presence of Ht chlorotic-lesion type resistance. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

−=Absence of a Ht chlorotic-lesion type resistance. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

+/−=Segregation of a Ht chlorotic-lesion type resistance. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Kernel-Aleurone Color: The color of the aleurone scored as white, pink, tan, brown, bronze, red, purple, pale purple, colorless, or variegated.

Kernel-Cap Color: The color of the kernel cap observed at dry stage, scored as white, lemon-yellow, yellow or orange.

Kernel-Endosperm Color: The color of the endosperm scored as white, pale yellow, or yellow.

Kernel-Endosperm Type: The type of endosperm scored as normal, waxy, or opaque.

Kernel-Grade: The percent of kernels that are classified as rounds.

Kernel-Length: The average distance from the cap of the kernel to the pedicel.

Kernel-Number Per Row: The average number of kernels in a single row.

Kernel-Pericarp Color: The color of the pericarp scored as colorless, red-white crown, tan, bronze, brown, light red, cherry red, or variegated.

Kernel-Row Direction: The direction of the kernel rows on the ear scored as straight, slightly curved, spiral, or indistinct (scattered).

Kernel-Row Number: The average number of rows of kernels on a single ear.

Kernel-Side Color: The color of the kernel side observed at the dry stage, scored as white, pale yellow, yellow, orange, red, or brown.

Kernel-Thickness: The distance across the narrow side of the kernel.

Kernel-Type: The type of kernel scored as dent, flint, or intermediate.

Kernel-Weight: The average weight of a predetermined number of kernels.

Kernel-Width: The distance across the flat side of the kernel.

KZ: Kabatiella zeae rating. Rating times 10 is approximately equal to percent total plant infection.

Leaf-Angle: Angle of the upper leaves to the stalk scored as upright (0 to 30 degrees), intermediate (30 to 60 degrees), or lax (60 to 90 degrees).

Leaf-Color: The color of the leaves 1 to 2 weeks after pollination scored as light green, medium green, dark green, or very dark green.

Leaf-Length: The average length of the primary ear leaf.

Leaf-Longitudinal Creases: A rating of the number of longitudinal creases on the leaf surface 1 to 2 weeks after pollination. Creases are scored as absent, few, or many.

Leaf-Marginal Waves: A rating of the waviness of the leaf margin 1 to 2 weeks after pollination. Rated as none, few, or many.

Leaf-Number: The average number of leaves of a mature plant. Counting begins with the cotyledonary leaf and ends with the flag leaf.

Leaf-Sheath Anthocyanin: A rating of the level of anthocyanin in the leaf sheath 1 to 2 weeks after pollination, scored as absent, basal-weak, basal-strong, weak or strong.

Leaf-Sheath Pubescence: A rating of the pubescence of the leaf sheath. Ratings are taken 1 to 2 weeks after pollination and scored as light, medium, or heavy.

Leaf-Width: The average width of the primary ear leaf measured at its widest point.

LSS: Late season standability (values times 10 approximate percent plants lodged in disease evaluation plots).

Moisture: The moisture of the grain at harvest.

On1: Ostrinia nubilalis 1st brood rating (1=resistant to 9=susceptible).

On2: Ostrinia nubilalis 2nd brood rating (1=resistant to 9=susceptible).

Relative Maturity: A maturity rating based on regression analysis. The regression analysis is developed by utilizing check hybrids and their previously established day rating versus actual harvest moistures. Harvest moisture on the hybrid in question is determined and that moisture value is inserted into the regression equation to yield a relative maturity.

Root Lodging: Root lodging is the percentage of plants that root lodge. A plant is counted as root lodged if a portion of the plant leans from the vertical axis by approximately 30 degrees or more.

Seedling Color: Color of leaves at the 6 to 8 leaf stage.

Seedling Height: Plant height at the 6 to 8 leaf stage.

Seedling vigor: A visual rating of the amount of vegetative growth on a 1 to 9 scale, where 9 equals best. The score is taken when the average entry in a trial is at the fifth leaf stage.

Selection Index: The selection index gives a single measure of hybrid's worth based on information from multiple traits. One of the traits that is almost always included is yield. Traits may be weighted according to the level of importance assigned to them.

Sr: Sphacelotheca reiliana rating is actual percent infection.

Stalk-Anthocyanin: A rating of the amount of anthocyanin pigmentation in the stalk. The stalk is rated 1 to 2 weeks after pollination as absent, basal-weak, basal-strong, weak, or strong.

Stalk-Brace Root Color: The color of the brace roots observed 1 to 2 weeks after pollination as green, red, or purple.

Stalk-Diameter: The average diameter of the lowest visible internode of the stalk.

Stalk-Ear Height: The average height of the ear measured from the ground to the point of attachment of the ear shank of the top developed ear to the stalk.

Stalk-Internode Direction: The direction of the stalk internode observed after pollination as straight or zigzag.

Stalk-Internode Length: The average length of the internode above the primary ear.

Stalk Lodging: The percentage of plants that did stalk lodge. Plants are counted as stalk lodged if the plant is broken over or off below the ear.

Stalk-Nodes With Brace Roots: The average number of nodes having brace roots per plant.

Stalk-Plant Height: The average height of the plant as measured from the soil to the tip of the tassel.

Stalk-Tillers: The percent of plants that have tillers. A tiller is defined as a secondary shoot that has developed as a tassel capable of shedding pollen.

Staygreen: Staygreen is a measure of general plant health near the time of black layer formation (physiological maturity). It is usually recorded at the time the ear husks of most entries within a trial have turned a mature color. Scoring is on a 1 to 9 basis where 9 equals best.

STR: Stalk rot rating (values represent severity rating of 1=25 percent of inoculated internode rotted to 9=entire stalk rotted and collapsed).

SVC: Southeastern Virus Complex combination of Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus and Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus) rating; numerical ratings are based on a severity scale where 1=most resistant to 9=susceptible (1988 reactions are largely Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus reactions).

Tassel-Anther Color: The color of the anthers at 50 percent pollen shed scored as green-yellow, yellow, pink, red, or purple.

Tassel-Attitude: The attitude of the tassel after pollination scored as open or compact.

Tassel-Branch Angle: The angle of an average tassel branch to the main stem of the tassel scored as upright (less than 30 degrees), intermediate (30 to 45 degrees), or lax (greater than 45 degrees).

Tassel-Branch Number: The average number of primary tassel branches.

Tassel-Glume Band: The closed anthocyanin band at the base of the glume scored as present or absent.

Tassel-Glume Color: The color of the glumes at 50 percent shed scored as green, red, or purple.

Tassel-Length: The length of the tassel measured from the base of the bottom tassel branch to the tassel tip.

Tassel-Peduncle Length: The average length of the tassel peduncle, measured from the base of the flag leaf to the base of the bottom tassel branch.

Tassel-Pollen Shed: A visual rating of pollen shed determined by tapping the tassel and observing the pollen flow of approximately five plants per entry. Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 9=sterile, 1=most pollen.

Tassel-Spike Length: The length of the spike measured from the base of the top tassel branch to the tassel tip.

Test Weight: The measure of the weight of the grain in pounds for a given volume (bushel) adjusted to 15.5 percent moisture.

Yield: Yield of grain at harvest adjusted to 15.5 percent moisture.

II. Other Definitions

Allele is any of one or more alternative forms of a gene, all of which alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing is a process in which a breeder crosses a first generation hybrid (F₁) with one of the parental genotypes.

Chromatography is a technique wherein a mixture of dissolved substances are bound to a solid support followed by passing a column of fluid across the solid support and varying the composition of the fluid. The components of the mixture are separated by selective elution.

Crossing refers to the mating of two parent plants.

Cross-pollination refers to fertilization by the union of two gametes from different plants.

Diploid refers to a cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Electrophoresis is a process by which particles suspended in a fluid are moved under the action of an electrical field, and thereby separated according to their charge and molecular weight. This method of separation is well known to those skilled in the art and is typically applied to separating various forms of enzymes and of DNA fragments produced by restriction endonucleases.

Emasculate refers to the removal of plant male sex organs.

Enzymes are organic catalysts that can exist in various forms called isozymes.

F₁ Hybrid refers to the first generation progeny of the cross of two plants.

Genetic Complement refers to an aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype in corn plants, or components of plants including cells or tissue.

Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid refers to a cell or organism having one set of the two sets of chromosomes in a diploid.

Isozymes are one of a number of enzymes which catalyze the same reaction(s) but differ from each other, e.g. in primary structure and/or electrophoretic mobility. The differences between isozymes are under single gene, codominant control. Consequently, electrophoretic separation to produce band patterns can be equated to different alleles at the DNA level. Structural differences that do not alter charge cannot be detected by this method.

Isozyme typing profile refers to a profile of band patterns of isozymes separated by electrophoresis that can be equated to different alleles at the DNA level.

Linkage refers to a phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend to segregate together more often than expected by chance if their transmission was independent.

Marker is a readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited in codominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygote are readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e., heritability of 1.

NL054B refers to the corn plant from which seeds having ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679 were obtained, as well as plants grown from those seeds.

Phenotype refers to the detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, which characteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) refer to genetic loci that control to some degree numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

Regeneration refers to the development of a plant from tissue culture.

RFLP genetic marker profile refers to a profile of band patterns of DNA fragment lengths typically separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, after restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA.

Self-pollination refers to the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same plant.

Single Gene Converted (Conversion) Plant refers to plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of an inbred are recovered in addition to the single gene transferred into the inbred via the backcrossing technique.

Tissue Culture refers to a composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant.

The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments that are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

III. Inbred Corn Plant GMLEA

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated GMLEA. Inbred corn plant GMLEA is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 88145 and 8M116, proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation, and the single cross parent 6M502.6M502A. GMLEA differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 1A, Table 1B, Table 1C).

TABLE 1A COMPARISON OF GMLEA WITH 88145 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A GMLEA 0.6 0.0 42.3 59.4 22.9 86.4 0.3 1662.5 1680.1 4.3 79.0 88145 0.3 0.1 42.9 59.5 24.1 87.5 6.2 1635.5 1679.6 1.7 57.8 DIFF 0.3 −0.1 −0.6 −0.1 −1.2 −1.1 −5.9 27.0 0.5 2.6 21.2 # 6 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.94 0.81 0.63 0.89 0.36 0.46 0.00** 0.04* 0.96 0.04* 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 1B COMPARISON OF GMLEA WITH 8M116 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A GMLEA 0.6 0.0 42.3 59.4 22.9 86.4 0.3 1662.5 1680.1 4.3 79.0 8M116 0.2 0.3 37.9 59.7 21.6 88.6 0.5 1598.3 1650.8 3.6 70.7 DIFF 0.4 −0.3 4.3 −0.3 1.4 −2.3 −0.2 64.3 29.3 0.7 8.3 # 6 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.90 0.48 0.00** 0.81 0.29 0.17 0.85 0.00** 0.02* 0.53 0.23 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 1C COMPARISON OF GHLEA WITH 6H502.6H502A BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A GMLEA 0.6 0.0 42.3 59.4 22.9 86.4 0.3 1662.5 1680.1 4.3 79.0 6M502. 0.3 0.4 35.4 59.5 24.2 79.9 0.1 1540.6 1544.2 7.2 90.2 6M502A DIFF 0.2 −0.4 6.8 −0.1 −1.3 6.4 0.1 121.9 135.9 −2.9 −11.2 # 6 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.87 0.21 0.00** 0.95 0.22 0.00** 0.94 0.00** 0.00** 0.01** 0.06+ Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant GMLEA was derived from the cross of three way cross of inbred lines designated MO17HT (a publicly available inbred), 75802 (a proprietary inbred developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation) and LH38 (a line developed by Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc.).

GMLEA shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 2. GMLEA has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in GMLEA.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant GMLEA can be summarized as follows:

Winter 1982 The cross of LH38 to the cross between MO17HT.75802 was made (nursery row numbers 215 and 216).

Winter 1983 LH38, a line developed by Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc., was crossed to the single cross described above (equivalent to S₁ generation) (nursery row numbers 35 and 36).

Summer 1984 The S₁ was grown and plants were self-pollinated (nursery row number 1309-1312).

Winter 1985 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row and self-pollinated (nursery rows 85-90).

Summer 1985 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row and self-pollinated (nursery rows 2415-2418).

Winter 1986 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row and self-pollinated (nursery rows 98-101).

Summer 1986 S₅ ears were grown ear-to-row and self-pollinated (nursery rows 4491-4493).

Summer 1987 S₆ ears were grown ear-to-row and self-pollinated (nursery rows 5247-5248). Three ears were selected from row 5247, bulked, and designated GMLEA at harvest.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant GMLEA. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant GMLEA is presented in Table 2.

TABLE 2 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE GMLEA PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.4 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 2.8 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 18.9 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.1 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 73.8 Width cm. 9.8 Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 35.6 Spike Length cm. 19.3 Peduncle Length cm. 9.5 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 6.7 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color PINK Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 18.3 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 37.8 Weight gm. 126.8 Shank Length cm. 10.8 Shank Internode Number 7.7 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 2.0 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 22.0 Cob Color WHITE Shelling Percent 86.0 5. Kernel Row Number 14.4 Number Per Row 33.3 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 10.1 Width mm. 7.4 Thickness 4.6 Weight of 1000K gm. 276.5 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent reters to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

IV. Inbred Corn Plant 6F905

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 6F905. Inbred corn plant 6F905 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants F118, LH132, and LH195. F118 is a proprietary inbred of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. LH132 and LH195 are inbreds developed by Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc. 6F905 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 3A, Table 3B, Table 3C).

TABLE 3A COMPARISON OF 6F905 WITH F118 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 6F905 0.0 0.3 35.6 58.5 26.9 78.3 0.0 1560.6 1588.1 3.2 91.9 F118 1.1 0.0 32.9 58.6 27.9 75.5 0.1 1640.6 1652.4 3.1 68.3 DIFF −1.1 0.3 2.7 −0.1 −1.0 2.8 −0.1 −80.1 −64.3 0.1 23.6 # 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.77 0.31 0.05+ 0.85 0.42 0.08+ 0.94 0.00** 0.00** 0.99 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 3B COMPARISON OF 6F905 WITH LH132 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 6F905 0.9 0.2 35.4 58.5 28.2 75.9 0.1 1592.8 1619.0 3.4 77.5 LH132 2.3 0.1 28.0 58.2 17.8 71.4 0.0 1512.4 1516.7 1.3 73.0 DIFF −1.5 0.1 7.4 0.3 10.4 4.6 0.1 80.4 102.3 2.2 4.5 # 14 16 16 16 15 16 16 16 16 16 1 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.54 0.57 0.00** 0.87 0.00** 0.00** 0.95 0.00** 0.00** 0.07+ 0.461 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 3C COMPARISON OF 6F905 WITH LH195 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 6F905 1.2 0.2 34.4 58.8 27.5 74.6 0.1 1591.7 1616.1 3.5 77.2 LH195 1.7 0.0 25.3 58.4 22.7 62.2 0.0 1623.2 1625.7 0.8 64.1 DIFF −0.5 0.2 9.1 0.3 4.7 12.4 0.1 −31.5 −9.6 2.7 13.1 # 10 12 12 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.86 0.40 0.00** 0.86 0.00** 0.00** 0.94 0.00** 0.47 0.05* 0.01** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 6F905 was derived from the cross of two inbred plants designated 4682 and 88051B (both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation) in the summer of 1982.

6F905 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 4. 6F905 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 6F905.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 6F905 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1982 The cross 4682 × 88051B was made (nursery book row numbers 707, 708). Winter 1982 S₀ seed was grown and selfed (nursery row number 6108). Summer 1983 Bulked S₁ seed was grown and plants were selfed (nursery row number 1823). Summer 1984 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery row numbers 1224 to 1235). Summer 1985 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery row number 1232) Summer 1987 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery row number 3802). Summer 1988 S₅ ears were grown (nursery row number 2879). Winter 1988 S₆ ears were grown (nursery row numbers 4105- 4106). Winter 1989 S₇ ear was grown (nursery row number 4615). S₈ ears were selected and coded 6F905.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 6F905. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 6F905 is presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 6F905 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.7 Anthocyanin BASAL WEAK Nodes With Brace Roots 2.5 Brace Root Color PURPLE Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 15.2 2. Leaf Number 19.1 Color DARK GREEN Length CTR. 80.6 Width cm. 10.1 Sheath Pubescence HEAVY Marginal Waves FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 36.9 Spike Length cm. 22.0 Peduncle Length cm. 8.8 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 9.0 Anther Color PINK Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color PINK Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 14.8 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 45.8 Weight gm. 159.4 Shank Length cm. 8.7 Shank Internode Number 8.3 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 9.0 Husk Opening TIGHT Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 27.2 Shelling Percent 82.8 5. Kernel Row Number 15.7 Number Per Row 34.5 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 12.2 Width mm. 8.0 Thickness 3.8 Weight of 1000K gm. 273.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

V. Inbred Corn Plant 91CSV-1

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 91CSV-1. Inbred corn plant 91CSV-1 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 3IIH6, 78551S, 83IBI3, and FBLA, all proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. 91CSV-1 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 5A, Table 5B, Table 5C, Table 5D).

TABLE 5A COMPARISON OF 91CSV-1 WITH 3IIH6 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91CSV-1 1.2 0.3 31.1 57.8 16.9 70.7 5.4 1379.0 1453.1 4.3 68.1 3IIH6 1.0 0.7 27.0 58.2 18.8 64.3 1.4 1449.6 1469.4 5.4 69.1 DIFF 0.2 −0.4 4.1 −0.4 −1.9 6.4 4.1 −70.6 −16.2 −1.1 −1.0 # 30 32 35 35 32 35 32 35 35 34 35 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.98 0.16 0.00** 0.52 0.00** 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** 0.02* 0.98 0.84 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 5B COMPARISON OF 91CSV-1 WITH 78551S BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91CSV-1 1.1 0.4 31.7 57.7 16.6 71.5 3.4 1374.2 1447.5 3.1 70.1 78551S 1.3 0.4 23.3 54.9 19.0 67.0 0.6 1408.7 1469.2 2.6 65.9 DIFF −0.2 0.0 8.3 2.8 −2.3 4.6 2.7 −34.5 −21.7 0.5 4.2 # 24 26 30 30 27 30 26 30 30 28 30 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.87 0.82 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.01** 0.40 0.18 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 5C COMPARISON OF 91CSV-L WITH 83IBI3 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91CSV-t 1.2 0.3 31.1 57.8 16.8 70.7 5.5 1379.0 1453.1 4.3 68.1 83IBI3 1.1 0.2 27.7 58.8 17.9 59.9 1.3 1391.9 1429.5 2.9 65.4 DIFF 0.1 0.1 3.5 −1.0 −1.1 10.8 4.2 −12.9 23.6 1.5 2.7 # 30 31 35 35 33 35 31 35 35 33 35 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.82 0.86 0.00** 0.22 0.11 0−.** 0.00** 0.07+ 0.00** 0.17 0.31 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 5D COMPARISON OF 91CSV-1 WITH FBLA BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91CSV-1 0.9 0.2 32.4 57.8 17.9 72.7 6.2 1368.2 1437.6 4.7 73.3 FBLA 0.5 0.4 27.0 58.7 18.6 66.5 2.3 1445.8 1464.3 1.0 65.4 DIFF 0.4 −0.2 5.4 −0.9 −0.8 6.2 3.9 −77.6 −26.8 3.8 7.9 # 21 25 27 27 27 27 25 27 27 26 27 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.61 0.35 0.00** 0.43 0.29 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** 0.00** 0.02* 0.02* Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 91CSV-1 was derived from the cross between the inbred designated 78551S (proprietary inbred developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation; Ser. No. 08/181,710, filed Jan. 14, 1994; and a line selected from Pioneer hybrid 3953.

91CSV-1 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 6. 91CSV-1 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 91CSV-1.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 91CSV-1 can be summarized as follows:

Spring 1987 The inbred 78551S (a proprietary inbred of DEKALB Genetics Corporation) was crossed to a selection from Pioneer hybrid 3953 to generate the S₀ generation. Summer 1987 The S₀ was crossed to 78551S to generate the BC1S1. Winter 1988 BC₁S₁ seed was grown and plants were self- pollinated (nursery rows 313-11 to 15). Summer 1988 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 81-52 to 81-91). Summer 1989 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 2-1 to 2-18 and 3-1 to 3-42). Winter 1990 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 69-54 to 56). Summer 1990 S₅ ears grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 304-25 to 304-42), selfed, seed was bulked after harvest, and given the designation 91CSV-1.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 91CSV-1. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 91CSV-1 is presented in Table 6.

TABLE 6 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 91CSV-1 PRENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1991, 1992 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 1.9 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.3 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 13.1 2. Leaf Number 17.3 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 75.7 Width cm. 8.7 Sheath Anthocyanin ABSENT Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 32.3 Spike Length cm. 25.3 Peduncle Length cm. 8.4 Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 7.4 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 15.9 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 36.3 Weight gm. 84.9 Shank Length cm. 14.0 Shank Internode Number 5.4 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 7.0 Husk opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 20.4 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 83.5 5. Kernel Row Number 13.3 Number Per Row 33.6 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color DEEP YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 9.4 Width mm. 8.3 Thickness 4.3 Weight of 1000K gm. 194.2 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

VI. Inbred Corn Plant 91DFA-5

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 91DFA-5. Inbred corn plant 91DFA-5 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 2FACC, 2FADB, 78010, and FBAB, all of which are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation. 91DFA-5 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 7A, Table 7B, Table 7C, Table 7D).

TABLE 7A COMPARISON OF 91DFA-5 WITH 2FACC BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91DFA-5 1.4 0.7 34.0 58.8 18.8 69.2 0.1 1506.0 1511.7 5.4 61.5 2FACC 0.4 0.3 28.0 58.6 21.4 66.8 2.5 1490.4 1484.5 2.9 81.2 DIFF 1.0 0.4 6.0 0.3 −2.5 2.4 −2.4 15.6 27.2 2.5 −19.7 # 30 30 32 33 31 32 31 33 33 32 33 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.41 0.08+ 0.00** 0.86 0.00** 0.00** 0.38 0.02* 0.00** 0.34 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 7B COMPARISON OF 91DFA-5 WITH 2FADB BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91DFA-5 1.2 0.8 33.7 59.4 19.0 65.1 0.1 1508.3 1512.2 6.0 58.8 2FADB 0.4 0.3 28.1 58.2 22.5 67.4 2.8 1504.8 1503.2 2.2 82.5 DIFF 0.8 0.4 5.6 1.2 −3.6 0.7 −2.8 3.5 8.9 3.8 −23.7 # 26 26 28 28 26 28 26 28 28 28 27 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.46 0.07+ 0.00** 0.14 0.00** 0.41 0.48 0.62 0.25 0.09+ 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: 30 = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 7C COMPARISON OF 91DFA-5 WITH 78010 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91DFA-5 1.3 0.5 34.5 58.5 19.9 70.0 0.1 1496.5 1505.1 5.0 64.8 78010 0.6 0.4 28.7 58.9 21.8 58.9 1.3 1478.6 1498.8 1.6 70.4 DIFF 0.7 0.1 5.9 −0.4 −1.8 11.1 −1.2 17.9 6.3 3.4 −5.6 # 21 24 24 25 25 24 25 25 25 25 25 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.53 0.39 0.00** 0.69 0.01** 0.00** 0.71 0.01** 0.32 0.14 0.13 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 7D COMPARISON OF 91DFA-5 WITH FBAB BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 91DFA-5 1.3 0.6 33.9 58.5 19.7 69.3 0.2 1498.7 1505.3 4.9 62.0 FBAB 2.5 0.5 28.7 58.4 17.1 74.3 1.5 1434.7 1451.6 13.6 48.0 DIFF −1.2 0.1 5.2 0.0 2.6 −5.0 −1.3 64.0 53.8 −8.7 14.0 # 34 37 39 40 32 39 37 40 40 39 40 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.16 0.56 0.00** 0.94 0.00** 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 91DFA-5 was derived from the cross of two inbred plants designated 78010 and FBAB in the summer of 1985. Both 78010 and FBAB are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation.

91DFA-5 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 8. 91DFA-5 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 91DFA-5.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 91DFA-5 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1985 The inbred 78010 was crossed to the inbred FBAB (both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics corporation). Summer 1986 The S₀ was backcrossed to 78010 (nursery range 115, rows 100 and 1O1) to generate the BC₁S₁. Summer 1987 The BC₁S₁ seed was grown and plants were self- pollinated (nursery rows 8-67 to 8-74). Winter 1988 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 545-45 to 62). Summer 1988 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 56-26 to 56-56) Winter 1989 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 74-17 to 74-19) Summer 1989 S₅ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 32-61 to 32-60), bulked, and given the designation 91DFA-5.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 91DFA-5. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 91DFA-5 is presented in Table 8.

TABLE 8 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR TRE 91DPA-5 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1991, 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 1.9 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Brace Root Color RED Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 14.0 2. Leaf Number 19.3 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 67.3 Width cm. 8.3 Sheath Pubescence MEDIUM 3. Tassel Length cm. 29.3 Spike Length cm. 20.8 Peduncle Length cm. 8.1 Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 5.4 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 14.6 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 36.8 Weight gm. 97.1 Shank Length cm. 12.6 Shank Internode Number 5.2 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.4 Husk Opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 21.4 Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 80.2 5. Kernel Row Number 13.8 Number Per Row 26.3 Row Direction CURVED Cap Color YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 9.9 Width Thin. 7.9 Thickness 4.5 Weight of 1000K gm. 246.6 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

VII. Inbred Corn Plant WDAQ2

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated WDAQ2. Inbred corn plant WDAQ2 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants B73HT, FBLL, and WDAD1. B73HT is a public inbred, and FBLL and WDAD1 are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation. WDAQ2 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 9A, Table 9B, Table 9C).

TABLE 9A COMPARISON OF WDAQ2 WITH B73HT BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDAQ2 1.0 0.1 39.8 56.5 20.3 78.6 0.0 1650.7 1661.2 3.5 71.5 B73HT 1.4 0.7 39.5 57.1 23.6 82.3 0.3 1638.7 1634.5 2.2 61.9 DIFF −0.3 −0.5 0.3 −0.6 −3.3 −3.6 −0.3 12.0 26. 8 1.3 9.6 # 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.93 0.22 0.85 0.79 0.05* 0.03* 0.85 0.38 0.08+ 0.52 0.08+ Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 9B COMPARISON OF WDAQ2 WITH FBLL BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 6F905 0.8 0.4 38.2 57.5 22.8 75.8 0.2 1655.0 1661.6 3.5 68.1 F118 1.5 0.3 27.4 55.3 23.0 66.7 0.0 1544.8 1565.2 2.3 58.0 DIFF −0.7 0.1 10.8 2.3 −0.2 9.1 0.2 110.2 96.5 1.2 10.1 # 17 14 16 16 13 16 14 15 15 15 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.75 0.83 0.00** 0.12 1.00 0.00** 0.75 0.00** 0.00** 0.37 0.01** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 9C COMPARISON OF WDAQ2 WITH WDAD1 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDAQ2 0.8 0.4 38.2 57.5 22.8 75.8 0.2 1655.0 1661.6 3.5 68.1 WDAD1 2.2 0.4 25.3 58.6 15.5 62.2 0.0 1528.7 1545.8 0.8 51.5 DIFF −1.4 0.0 12.9 −1.0 6.9 13.6 0.2 126.3 115.9 2.7 16.6 # 17 14 16 16 13 16 14 15 15 15 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.53 0.96 0.00** 0.50 0.00** 0.00** 0.76 0.00** 0.00** 0.11 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant WDAQ2 was derived from the cross between inbred plants designated B73HT (a public inbred) and a line selected from the hybrid 3378 (a hybrid of Pioneer Hi-Bred International).

WDAQ2 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 10. WDAQ2 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in WDAQ2.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant WDAQ2 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1985 Inbred line B73HT was crossed with a selection from the hybrid 3378 (nursery row 117/60, 117/77) Winter 1985/86 A backcross was made using the 3378 selection as the recurrent parent (nursery row 25/80, 25/81) Summer 1986 BC₁S₁ ears were grown (nursery row numbers 20/50-43) Winter 1986/87 BC₁S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery row number 551/90). Summer 1987 BC₁S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery row number 40/30). Winter 1987/88 BC₁S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery row number 91/154). Summer 1988 BC₁S₅ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery row number 222/38). Ears harvested in the fall were given the designation WDAQ2.

B. Phenotyic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant WDAQ2. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant WDAQ2 is presented in Table 10.

TABLE 10 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE WDAQ2 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.6 Anthocyanin BASAL WEAK Nodes With Brace Roots 1.6 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 16.7 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.7 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 83.7 Width cm. 9.3 Sheath Anthocyanin STRONG Sheath Pubescence HEAVY Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 50.5 Spike Length cm. 24.0 Peduncle Length cm. 15.7 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 7.6 Glume Color YELLOW Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 16.4 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 42.3 Weight gm. 157.6 Shank Length cm. 9.8 Shank Internode Number 6.6 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 2.2 Husk Opening OPEN Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 23.0 Cob Color WHITE Shelling Percent 85.5 5. Kernel Row Number 17.7 Number Per Row 35.7 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color DEEP YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 11.8 Width mm. 7.3 Thickness 4.1 Weight of 1000K gm. 260.8 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

VIII. Inbred Corn Plant WDDQ1

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated WDDQ1. Inbred corn plant WDDQ1 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 84BRQ4, B73HT, FBLL, and LH132. WDDQ1 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 11A, Table 11B, Table 11C, Table 11D).

TABLE 11A COMPARSION OF WDDQ1 WITH 84BRQ4 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDDQ1 0.6 0.1 25.7 58.8 22.8 68.8 0.1 1580.6 1620.5 0.3 56.9 84BRQ4 1.2 0.2 29.5 57.5 22.4 73.9 0.1 1569.1 1586.9 1.1 65.2 DIFF −0.6 −0.1 −3.8 1.3 0.5 −5.1 −0.1 11.5 33.6 −0.8 −8.3 # 11 16 16 16 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.67 0.68 0.00** 0.27 0.72 0.00** 0.96 0.16 0.00** 0.26 0.09+ Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk RTL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 11B COMPARISON OF WDDQ1 WITH B73HT BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDDQ1 0.6 0.1 25.7 58.8 22.8 68.8 0.1 1580.6 1620.5 0.3 56.9 B73HT 0.8 0.3 36.7 59.6 21.9 79.9 0.5 1592.3 1599.6 2.0 72.5 DIFF −0.2 −0.2 −11.0 −0.8 0.9 −11.2 −0.5 −11.7 20.8 −1.7 −15.6 # 11 16 16 16 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.89 0.56 0.00** 0.46 0.44 0.00** 0.66 0.18 0.03* 0.03* 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 11C COMPARISON OF WDDQ1 WITK FBLL BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDDQ1 1.3 0.0 24.1 58.8 22.4 68.3 0.1 1547.3 1591.6 0.0 59.6 FBLL 0.7 0.4 27.9 58.5 19.6 70.4 0.1 1441.6 1461.8 1.1 89.4 DIFF 0.7 −0.4 −3.8 0.3 2.8 −2.1 0.0 105.6 129.9 −1.1 −29.8 # 3 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.72 0.23 0.00** 0.84 0.06+ 0.16 1.00 0.00** 0.00** 0.21 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 11D COMPARISON OF WDDQ1 WITH LK132 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A WDDQ1 0.6 0.1 25.7 58.8 22.8 68.8 0.1 1580.6 1620.5 0.3 56.9 LH132 1.4 0.0 25.9 59.2 17.5 68.1 0.0 1495.7 1497.8 1.5 74.1 DIFF −0.8 0.1 −0.3 −0.3 5.3 0.6 0.1 84.9 122.7 −1.2 −17.2 # 11 16 16 16 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.58 0.90 0.79 0.60 0.00** 0.63 0.96 0.00** 0.00** 0.11 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant WDDQ1 was derived from a cross between inbred plant LH132 (a proprietary line of Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc.) and a line selected from 3378 (a hybrid developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International).

WDDQ1 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 12. WDDQ1 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in WDDQ1.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant WDDQ1 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1987 The backcross of LH132 and a selection from the hybrid Pioneer 3378 was grown and plants were selfed. The recurrent parent in the backcross was LH132. LH132 is a proprietary line of Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc. Summer 1988 BC₁S₁ ears were grown (nursery rows 326-50). Winter 1988-89 BC₁S₂ ears were grown (nursery rows 435-94). Summer 1989 BC₁S₃ ears were grown (nursery rows 222-20). Winter 1989-90 BC₁S₄ ears were grown (nursery rows 99-92). Summer 1990 BC₁S₅ ears were grown. The seed was assigned the inbred code WDDQ1 (nursery rows 223-44)

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant WDDQ1. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant WDDQ1 is presented in Table 12.

TABLE 12 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE WDDQ1 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.4 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 2.3 Internode Length cm. 12.8 2. Leaf Number 19.8 Length cm. 77.0 Width cm. 9.6 3. Tassel Length cm. 37.9 Spike Length cm. 24.4 Peduncle Length cm. 9.8 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 5.7 Anther Color TAN Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 16.7 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 37.9 Weight gm. 124.9 Shank Length cm. 9.5 Shank Internode Number 7.8 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 4.1 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 21.2 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 84.8 5. Kernel Row Number 14.5 Number Per Row 33.3 Row Direction CURVED Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 10.4 Width mm. 7.3 Thickness 4.5 Weight of 1000K gm. 256.6 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

IX. Inbred Corn Plant 85DGD1

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 85DGD1. Inbred corn plant 85DGD1 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants B73HT, FBLL, LH119, and LH132. B73HT is a publicly available inbred, LH119 and LH132 are inbreds developed by Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc., and FBLL is a proprietary inbred of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. 85DGD1 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 13A, Table 13B, Table 13C, Table 13D).

TABLE 13A COMPARISON OF 85DGD1 WITH B73HT BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 85DGD1 1.6 0.1 36.3 59.2 17.2 76.7 0.0 1558.4 1560.4 1.9 66.8 B73HT 1.2 0.6 39.0 58.3 23.0 80.8 0.5 1637.9 1639.8 2.1 59.5 DIFF 0.4 −0.6 −2.8 0.9 −5.8 −4.1 −0.5 −79.5 −79.4 −0.2 7.3 # 16 16 16 16 13 16 16 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.88 0.11 0.00** 0.54 0.00** 0.00** 0.60 0.00** 0.00** 0.89 0.04* Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 13B COMPARUSON OF 85DGD1 WITH FBLL BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 85DGD1 1.5 0.2 36.7 59.0 26.3 78.1 0.2 1534.2 1534.3 1.1 73.0 FBLL 1.7 0.1 29.4 56.4 28.2 71.6 0.2 1481.7 1504.6 0.7 69.6 DIFF −0.2 0.1 7.2 2.6 −1.9 6.5 0.0 52.6 29.7 0.4 3.4 # 17 24 25 25 23 25 24 25 24 25 25 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.60 0.61 0.00** 0.02* 0.04* 0.00** 0.58 0.00** 0.00** 0.71 0.27 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 13C COMPARISON OF 85DGD1 WITH LH119 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 85DGD1 1.4 0.1 36.4 58.8 21.7 77.4 0.0 1546.0 1547.1 1.3 70.9 LH119 3.5 0.1 26.5 58.9 21.1 68.3 0.0 1496.4 1520.2 1.3 68.2 DIFF −2.2 0.0 9.9 −0.1 0.6 9.1 0.0 49.6 26.9 0.1 2.7 # 21 26 26 26 24 26 26 26 26 26 26 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.26 0.78 0.00** 0.75 0.31 0.00** 0.97 0.00** 0.00** 0.95 0.41 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 13D COMPARISON OF 85DGD1 WITH LH132 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 85DGD1 1.4 0.1 36.4 58.8 21.7 77.4 0.0 1546.0 1547.1 1.3 70.9 LH132 2.4 0.0 27.2 58.3 20.7 68.1 0.0 1507.6 1519.5 0.9 68.9 DIFF −1.0 0.0 9.2 0.5 1.0 9.3 −0.0 38.4 27.6 0.4 2.0 # 21 26 26 26 24 26 26 26 26 26 26 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.49 0.72 0.00** 0.81 0.15 0.00** 1.00 0.00** 0.00** 0.71 0.48 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 85DGD1 was derived from the cross of two inbred plants designated LH119 (an inbred developed by Holden's Foundation Seeds, Inc.) and PB80 (a proprietary inbred developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation).

85DGD1 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 14. 85DGD1 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 85DGD1.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 85DGD1 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1985 The cross LH119 × PB80 was made (nursery row numbers SJO 99/15 × 98/9). Summer 1986 S₀ generation grown and plants were backcrossed to PB80 (nursery row ICB-2-40- 119). All seed was bulked. Summer 1987 Bulked seed of PB80 × LH119 grown and plants were selfed (nursery rows 320/1-13) Winter 1987 BC₁S₁ generation grown and self-pollinated (nursery row numbers 651/74-100). Summer 1988 BC₁S₂ generation grown and self-pollinated (nursery rows 178/1-34). Winter 1988 BC₁S₃ generation grown and self-pollinated (nursery rows 47/135-144). Summer 1989 BC₁S₄ generation grown and self-pollinated (nursery rows 324/55-44). Winter 1989 BC₁S₅ generation grown and self-pollinated (nursery rows 40/142-138). Summer 1990 BC₁S₆ generation grown, self-pollinated, and seed was bulked.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 85DGD1. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 85DGD1 is presented in Table 14.

TABLE 14 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 85DGD1 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Nodes With Brace Roots 2.0 Internode Length cm. 15.0 2. Leaf Number 19.9 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 77.6 Width cm. 9.2 Marginal Waves FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 36.3 Spike Length cm. 21.3 Peduncle Length cm. 11.8 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 6.8 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.3 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 13.4 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 40.6 Weight gm. 106.3 Shank Length cm. 12.4 Shank Internode Number 6.7 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 7.9 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 24.4 Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 82.2 5. Kernel Row Number 15.6 Number Per Row 27.0 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Side Color DEEP YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 11.0 Width mm. 7.4 Thickness 4.3 Weight of 1000K gm. 258.3 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

X. Inbred Corn Plant PHEI4

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated PHEI4. Inbred corn plant PHEI4 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants MBWZ and MBZA, both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. PHEI4 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 15A, Table 15B).

TABLE 15A COMPARISON OF PHEI4 WITH MBWZ BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A PHEI4 0.8 0.1 31.9 57.9 19.1 67.9 0.2 1536.8 1550.6 2.2 64.7 MBWZ 1.7 0.4 31.5 57.1 23.8 75.5 0.4 1597.4 1634.5 4.6 66.7 DIFF −0.9 −0.2 0.3 0.8 −4.7 −7.6 −0.2 −60.6 −83.9 −2.4 −2.0 # 22 22 23 24 20 23 22 24 24 23 24 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.59 0.43 0.72 0.84 0.00** 0.00** 0.90 0.00** 0.00** 0.02* 0.65 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 15B COMPARISON OF PHEI4 WITH MBZA BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A PHEI4 0.8 0.1 31.9 57.9 19.1 67.9 0.2 1536.8 1550.6 2.1 64.7 MBZA 1.9 0.5 24.5 57.4 19.2 56.3 0.2 1595.0 1604.5 1.7 65.1 DIFF −1.0 −0.4 7.3 0.5 −0.1 11.6 −0.0 −58.2 −54.0 0.5 −0.4 # 22 22 23 24 21 23 22 24 24 22 24 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.55 0.27 0.00** 0.84 0.93 0.00** 0.94 0.00** 0.00** 0.81 0.88 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant PHEI4 was derived from the cross of two inbred plants designated HBA1 and IBO14, both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation, in the summer of 1983.

PHEI4 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 16. PHEI4 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in PHEI4.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant PHEI4 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1983 The cross HBA1.IBO14 was made. Winter 1983/84 S₀ seed was grown and self-pollinated. Summer 1984 S₁ seed was grown and self-pollinated. Winter 1984/85 S₂ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery row 436/84). Summer 1985 S₃ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery rows 47/94, 95). Winter 1985/86 S₄ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery rows 87/61-63). Summer 1986 S₅ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery rows 141/14-17). Summer 1987 S₆ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery rows 602/63, 64). Winter 1987/88 S₇ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis (nursery row 82-173) and selected ears were bulked at harvest. Summer 1988 S₈ generation was grown (nursery row 501/36) and selected ears bulked. Winter 1988/89 S₉ generation was grown (nursery rows 112/107, 108) and selected ears were bulked. The bulked seed was given the designation PHEI4 after harvest.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant PHEI4. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant PHEI4 is presented in Table 16.

TABLE 16 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE PHEI4 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.2 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.6 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 13.9 2. Leaf Number 19.3 Length cm. 79.0 Width cm. 8.8 Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 30.6 Spike Length cm. 18.6 Peduncle Length cm. 5.1 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 10.5 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.6 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 15.8 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 39.6 Weight gm. 97.5 Shank Length cm. 9.8 Shank Internode Number 7.3 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.7 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 25.3 Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 81.9 5. Kernel Row Number 13.9 Number Per Row 26.5 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 10.0 Width mm. 8.6 Thickness 4.7 Weight of 1000K gm. 282.4 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XI. Inbred Corn Plant 01ASB1

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 01ASB1. Inbred corn plant 01ASB1 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 2FACC, 4676A, 78010, and FBAB, all of which are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation. 01ASB1 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 17A, Table 17B, Table 17C, Table 17D).

TABLE 17A COMPARISON OF 01ASB1 WITH 2FACC BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 01ASB1 0.7 0.9 31.4 58.1 17.2 66.3 −0.2 1530.0 1518.8 11.3 44.9 2FACC 0.2 0.4 28.0 57.4 20.3 64.4 4.5 1508.9 1497.2 2.3 73.9 DIFF 0.5 0.6 3.5 0.7 −3.1 1.9 −4.7 21.1 21.5 9.0 −28.9 # 21 15 18 18 15 18 15 18 18 17 18 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.68 0.17 0.00** 0.58 0.00** 0.15 0.25 0.02* 0.03* 0.01** 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 17B COMPARISON OF 01ASB1 WITH 4676A BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 01ASB1 0.4 1.4 33.82 60.2 19.1 69.1 −1.1 1520.0 1508.7 18.4 50.5 4676A 0.1 2.5 30.6 59.4 21.7 67.8 11.5 1449.8 1435.2 8.9 61.7 DIFF 0.3 −1.1 3.2 0.8 −2.6 1.3 −12.6 70.2 73.5 9.5 −11.2 # 6 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.84 0.34 0.12 0.71 0.07+ 0.59 0.16 0.00** 0.00** 0.19 0.13 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 17C COMPARISON OF 01ASB1 WITH 78010 BARRE BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A 01ASB1 0.5 0.7 32.6 59.3 19.1 69.3 −0.2 1483.7 1474.3 9.3 54.2 78010 0.9 0.7 28.8 59.1 22.9 58.1 1.7 1482.1 1503.9 3.0 63.8 DIFF −0.4 −0.0 3.8 0.2 −3.7 11.3 −1.9 1.6 −29.6 6.3 −9.6 # 16 15 17 17 15 17 15 17 17 17 17 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.41 0.38 0.00** 0.90 0.00** 0.00** 0.68 0.60 0.00** 0.15 0.01** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 17D COMPARISON OF O1ASB1 WITH FBAB BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A O1ASB1 0.7 0.8 31.7 58.3 18.2 67.7 −0.1 1503.0 1493.2 8.8 49.1 FBAB 2.9 0.5 28.5 58.8 16.8 72.4 1.5 1453.2 1470.1 17.8 38.0 DIFF −2.1 0.3 3.2 −0.5 1.4 −4.7 −1.9 49.8 23.1 −9.0 11.0 # 25 23 25 25 17 25 22 25 25 25 25 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.04* 0.37 0.00** 0.64 0.07+ 0.00** 0.63 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Drapped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUS to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 01ASB1 was derived from the cross of two inbred plants designated 4676A and NL001, both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation, in the summer of 1985.

01ASB1 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 18. 01ASB1 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 01ASB1.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 01ASB1 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1985 The cross 4676A × NL001 was made (nursery book row numbers 18049 and 18143, respectively). Both parents are proprietary lines of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. Winter 1985 S₀ seed was grown and plants were selfed (nursery row number 30137). Summer 1986 S₁ seed was grown and plants were selfed (nursery rows 51 to 100). S₂ ears selected. Winter 1986 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery book row numbers 738-29 to 738-69). Summer 1987 S_(3 ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were) selfed (nursery rows 20-74 to 20-72). Summer 1988 S_(4 ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were) selfed (nursery rows 32-34 to 32-31). Winter 1988 S_(5 ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were) selfed (nursery rows 102-95 to 102-93). Summer 1989 S₆ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery rows 204-24 to 204-22). Ears from one S₆ row were selected and given the designation 01ASB1.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 01ASB1. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 01ASB1 is presented in Table 18.

TABLE 18 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 01ASB1 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.1 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.1 Brace Root Color RED Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 11.2 2. Leaf Number 20.3 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 73.9 Width cm. 6.6 Sheath Anthocyanin WEAK Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 32.1 Spike Length cm. 22.5 Peduncle Length cm. 6.6 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 4.5 Anther Color RED Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 12.1 Diameter cm. 33.5 Weight gm. 68.1 Shank Length cm. 11.9 Shank Internode Number 4.5 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 8.7 Husk Opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 17.7 Cob Color RED Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 83.5 5. Kernel Row Number 11.9 Number Per Row 25.1 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 9.5 Width mm. 8.0 Thickness 3.7 Weight of 1000K gm. 209.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XII. Inbred Corn Plant 11IBH2

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated 01IBH2. Inbred corn plant 01IBH2 is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 3IIH6, 78551S, and FBLL, all of which are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation. 01IBH2 differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 19A, Table l9B, Table 19C).

TABLE 19A COMPARISON OF 01IBH2 WITH 3IIH6 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A O1IBH2 0.6 0.3 27.6 58.1 23.1 64.9 2.9 1496.8 1515.01 1.4 71.1 3IIH6 1.3 0.4 27.9 58.0 17.8 64.3 0.5 1462.5 1484.7 5.1 60.4 DIFF −0.6 −0.1 −0.4 0.1 5.2 0.6 2.4 34.3 30.4 −3.7 10.7 # 25 27 28 28 25 28 27 28 28 28 28 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.67 0.70 0.46 0.56 0.00** 0.68 0.83 0.00** 0.00** 0.14 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUS to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 19B COMPARSION OF O1IBH2 WITH 78551S BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A O1IBH2 0.7 0.3 27.4 58.1 23.1 64.9 1.7 1492.3 1511.2 1.6 72.4 78551S 2.7 0.3 22.7 52.7 19.4 65.3 0.2 1436.5 1495.5 1.9 61.4 DIFF −2.0 0.0 4.7 5.4 3.8 −0.3 1.5 55.8 15.7 −0.3 10.9 # 19 22 23 23 19 23 22 23 23 23 22 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.12 0.89 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.75 0.86 0.00** 0.01** 0.91 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushel/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 19C COMPARSION OF O1IBH2 WITH FBLL BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A O1IBH2 0.6 0.3 27.6 58.1 23.1 64.9 2.9 1496.8 1515.1 1.4 71.1 FBLL 1.0 0.4 30.0 58.0 27.2 70.0 −0.2 1506.7 1531.9 2.8 69.8 DIFF −0.4 −0.0 −2.5 0.1 −4.1 −5.1 3.1 −9.9 −16.9 −1.4 1.4 # 25 27 28 28 26 28 27 28 28 29 28 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.55 0.84 0.00** 0.75 0.00** 0.00** 0.45 0.15 0.03* 0.58 0.86 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant 01IBH2 was derived from the hybrid Pioneer 3737. Pioneer 3737 is publicly available and sold by Pioneer Hi-Bred International.

01IBH2 shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 20. 01IBH2 has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in 01IBH2.

Each of the above deposits were made in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Budapest Treaty relating to deposit of microorganisms and is made for a term of at least thirty (30) years and at least five (05) years after the most recent request for the furnishing of a sample of the deposit was received by the depository, or for the effective term of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if it becomes non-viable during that period.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant 01IBH2 can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1984 The hybrid Pioneer 3737 was self-pollinated to produce S₁ seed (nursery row number 84:3848). Summer 1985 S₁ seed was grown and selfed (nursery row numbers 3161 to 3170). Summer 1986 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery rows 6016 to 6025). Summer 1987 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery book row numbers 52-72 to 52-66). Winter 1987 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery rows 42-149 to 42-147). Summer 1988 S₅ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery rows 120-5 to 120-3). Summer 1989 S₆ ears were grown ear-to-row and plants were selfed (nursery rows 216-29 to 216-25). Ears from one row were selected and given the designation 01IBH2.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 01IBH2. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant 01IBH2 is presented in Table 20.

TABLE 20 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 01IBH2 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.1 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.1 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 14.4 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 17.3 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 68.2 Width cm. 8.9 Sheath Anthocyanin ABSENT Sheath Pubescence HEAVY Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Length cm. 33.6 Spike Length cm. 23.1 Peduncle Length cm. 8.2 Branch Number 7.8 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.0 Length cm. 14.6 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 40.4 Weight gm. 103.2 Shank Length cm. 10.1 Shank Internode Number 6.9 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 4.4 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 22.9 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 89.0 5. Kernel Row Number 16.3 Number Per Row 29.3 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 10.9 Width mm. 7.4 Thickness 4.4 Weight of 1000K gm. 233.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XIII. Inbred Corn Plant NL054B

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated NL054B. Inbred corn plant NL054B is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants B73HT, FBLL, and LH132. NL054B differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 21A, Table 21B, Table 21C).

TABLE 21A COMPARSION OF NL054B WITH B73HT BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A NL054B 1.1 0.2 32.6 59.0 19.4 69.6 0.4 1574.2 1566.3 1.3 83.0 B73HT 0.8 0.3 36.7 59.6 21.9 79.9 0.5 1592.3 1599.6 2.0 72.5 DIFF 0.3 −0.1 −4.1 −0.6 −2.5 −10.4 −0.1 −18.1 −43.3 −0.8 10.5 # 11 16 16 16 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.85 0.79 0.00** 0.70 0.02* 0.00** 0.90 0.04* 0.00** 0.32 0.01** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 21B COMPARSION OF NL054B WITH FBLL BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A NL054B 0.7 0.2 31.8 59.0 20.5 67.6 0.3 1594.5 1578.3 1.1 80.4 FBLL 1.4 0.4 28.0 57.4 21.1 68.0 0.1 1499.2 1523.6 2.7 75.1 DIFF −0.7 −0.2 3.8 1.6 −0.6 −0.4 0.2 95.4 54.7 −1.6 5.3 # 11 15 16 16 15 16 15 16 16 15 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.72 0.55 0.00** 0.20 0.55 0.82 0.78 0.00** 0.00** 0.53 0.25 Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 21C COMPARSION OF NL054B WITH LH132 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A NL054B 1.0 0.2 32.2 58.7 20.3 67.6 0.3 1598.1 1580.7 1.2 75.5 LH132 1.9 0.1 26.3 59.3 18.0 66.0 0.0 1518.4 1522.2 2.0 66.3 DIFF −0.9 0.1 5.8 −0.6 2.3 1.6 0.3 79.7 58.5 −0.8 9.2 # 19 23 24 24 21 24 23 24 24 23 24 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.53 0.64 0.00** 0.65 0.01** 0.09+ 0.69 0.00** 0.00** 0.54 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUS to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + =10 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant NL054B was derived from the cross between two inbreds designated B73HT and a line selected from Pioneer hybrid P3378 in the summer of 1985. B73HT is a publicly available inbred developed at IOWA State University.

NL054B shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 22. NL054B has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in NL054B.

A deposit of 2500 seeds of the plant designated NL054B has been made with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. on Aug. 30, 2001. Those deposited seeds have been assigned Accession No. PTA-3679. The deposit was made in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Budapest Treaty relating to deposit of microorganisms and is made for a term of at least thirty (30) years and at least five (05) years after the most recent request for the furnishing of a sample of the deposit was received by the depository, or for the effective term of the patent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if it becomes non-viable during that period.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant NL054B can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1985 The inbred line B73HT was crossed to a line selected from the hybrid Pioneer 3378 (nursery rows 3602 and 3719). Winter 1985/86 S₀ seed was grown and self-pollinated (nursery row 70). Summer 1986 S₁ seed was grown and self-pollinated (nursery row numbers 4581-4620). Summer 1987 S₂ ears were grown on an ear-to-row basis and plants were self-pollinated (nursery row 401-442). Winter 1987/88 S₃ ears were grown and plants were self-pollinated (nursery row 20/30). Summer 1990 S₄ ears were grown and plants were selfed (nursery row 1469). Winter 1990/91 S₅ ears were grown and plants were self-pollinated (nursery rows 794, L20/33). Selected ears were bulked after harvest and given the designation NL054B.

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant NL054B. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant NL054B is presented in Table 22.

TABLE 22 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE NL054B PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.7 Anthocyanin BASAL-WEAK Nodes With Brace Roots 2.5 Brace Root Color PURPLE Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 10.8 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.5 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 76.5 Width cm. 9.5 Sheath Anthocyanin STRONG Sheath Pubescence HEAVY Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Length cm. 34.9 Spike Length cm. 18.1 Peduncle Length cm. 11.2 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 7.0 Anther Color TAN Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 17.0 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 41.5 Weight gm. 155.6 Shank Length cm. 8.0 Shank Internode Number 6.7 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 4.1 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 24.8 Cob Color WHITE Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 85.3 5. Kernel Row Number 16.0 Number Per Row 32.5 Row Direction CURVED Type INTERMEDIATE Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 11.4 Width mm. 7.5 Thickness 4.4 Weight of 1000K gm. 312.2 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XIV. Inbred Corn Plant FBMU

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel inbred corn plant, designated FBMU. Inbred corn plant FBMU is a yellow, dent corn inbred that can be compared to inbred corn plants 2FACC, 2FADB, 4676A, and PB80, all of which are proprietary inbreds developed by DEKALB Genetics Corporation. FBMU differs significantly (at the 5% level) from these inbred lines in several aspects (Table 23A, Table 23B, Table 23C, Table 23D).

TABLB 23A COMPARSION OF FBMU WITH 2FACC BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A FBMU 0.7 0.5 27.1 56.9 19.4 67.1 5.4 1421.0 1416.01 5.0 93.6 2FACC 0.5 0.1 27.8 54.4 20.5 65.7 1.5 1485.3 1484.3 2.5 78.4 DIFF 0.3 0.3 −0.8 2.5 −1.0 1.4 4.0 −64.3 −68.2 2.4 15.2 # 29 37 37 39 38 37 37 39 39 38 37 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.98 0.25 0.14 0.19 0.05+ 0.15 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUS to Shed SILK GDU = GDUS to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushel/Acre) Significance level are indicated as: + = 10 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 23B COMPARSION OF FBMU WITH 2FADB BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A FBMU 0.6 0.5 26.3 57.9 19.6 66.8 5.4 1413.9 1408.0 4.5 93.8 2FADB 0.7 0.3 28.5 58.2 21.6 69.0 1.4 1499.4 1501.8 2.4 81.2 DIFF −0.2 0.2 −2.2 −0.2 −2.0 −2.3 3.9 −85.5 −93.9 2.1 12.6 # 25 30 30 31 31 30 30 31 31 31 30 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.56 0.59 0.00** 0.84 0.00** 0.01** 0.00** 0.00** 0.00** 0.11 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUS to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: ** = 1 percent

TABLE 23C COMPARSION OF FBMU WITH 4676A BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A FBMU 0.2 0.0 26.2 57.3 21.6 66.0 0.8 1351.2 1350.0 1.8 108.0 4676A 2.6 0.1 27.2 58.9 23.5 64.4 0.1 1357.7 1351.6 1.9 79.6 DIFF −2.4 −0.1 −1.0 −1.6 −1.9 1.6 0.7 −6.5 −1.6 −0.1 28.4 # 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.00** 0.58 0.35 0.17 0.15 0.30 0.02* 0.57 0.89 0.95 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 23D COMPARSION OF FBMU WITH PB80 BARREN DROP EHT MST PHT RTL SHED SILK STL YLD INBRED % % INCH FINAL % INCH % GDU GDU % BU/A FBMU 0.9 0.6 26.0 58.5 17.8 67.7 5.7 1439.3 1429.4 5.6 91.2 PB80 2.1 0.6 34.3 58.7 22.5 72.8 0.3 1570.6 1580.5 4.4 67.1 DIFF −1.3 0.0 −8.3 −0.2 −4.7 −5.0 5.4 −131.3 −151.0 1.2 24.1 # 14 15 15 16 14 15 15 16 16 16 16 LOC/TESTS P VALUE 0.61 0.97 0.00** 0.79 0.00** 0.00** 0.03* 0.00** 0.00** 0.10+ 0.00** Legend Abbreviations BARREN % = Barren Plants (Percent) DROP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) FINAL = Final Stand MST % = Moisture (Percent) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) SHED GDU = GDUs to Shed SILK GDU = GDUs to Silk STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) YLD BU/A = Yield (Bushels/Acre) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

A. Origin and Breeding History

Inbred plant FBMU was derived from the cross between two inbreds designated PB80 and 4676A. PB80 and 4676A are both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation.

FBMU shows uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter in Table 24. FBMU has been self-pollinated and ear-rowed a sufficient number of generations with careful attention paid to uniformity of plant type to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected in FBMU.

Inbred corn plants can be reproduced by planting such inbred seeds, growing the resulting corn plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation using standard techniques well known to an artisan skilled in the agricultural arts. Seeds can be harvested from such a plant using standard, well known procedures.

The origin and breeding history of inbred plant FBMU can be summarized as follows:

Summer 1982 The cross PB80.4676A was made. PB80 and 4676A are both proprietary inbreds of DEKALB Genetics Corporation. Winter 1983 S₀ seed was grown and self-pollinated (nursery row 770). Summer 1983 S₁ ears were grown ear-to-row (nursery rows 701-740). Summer 1984 S₂ ears were grown ear-to-row. Summer 1985 S₃ ears were grown ear-to-row. Summer 1986 S₄ ears were grown ear-to-row. Summer 1987 S₅ ears were grown ear-to-row. Bulked S₆ seed was assigned the inbred code FBMU. Summer 1988 FBMU was increased (nursery rows 338-342).

B. Phenotypic Description

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corn plant having the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant FBMU. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of corn plant FBMU is presented in Table 24.

TABLE 24 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE FBMU PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.4 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.5 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 12.5 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.4 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 71.4 Width cm. 9.3 Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Length cm. 30.0 Spike Length cm. 19.0 Peduncle Length cm. 9.3 Branch Number 5.2 Anther Color RED Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Number Per Stalk 1.1 Length cm. 17.1 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 39.8 Weight gm. 135.1 Shank Length cm. 12.2 Shank Internode Number 5.8 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.2 Husk Opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 23.2 Cob Color RED Shelling Percent 83.6 5. Kernel Row Number 13.5 Number Per Row 32.0 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 11.0 Width mm. 8.8 Thickness 4.6 Weight of 1000K gm. 311.4 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XV. Additional Inbred Corn Plants

The inbred corn plants, 78551S, MM402A, MBZA, 2FADB and 91BMA2 have been employed with the corn plants of the present invention in order to produce several exemplary hybrids. A description of the functional and morphological characteristics of these corn plants is presented herein. Table 25 concerns 78551S; Table 26 concerns MM402A; Table 27 concerns MBZA; Table 28 concerns 2FADB; and Table 29 concerns 91BMA2. Additional information for these inbred corn plants is presented in the following co-pending U.S. patent applications: 78551S, Ser. No. 08/181,710, filed Jan. 14, 1994; MM402A, Ser. No. 08/181,019, filed Jan. 13, 1994; MBZA, Ser. No. 08/182,616, filed Jan. 14, 1994; 2FADB, Ser. No. 08/130,320, filed Oct. 1, 1993; and 91BMA2, Ser. No. 08/182,476, filed Jan. 13, 1994; the disclosures of each of which applications are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

TABLE 25 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 78551S PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.4 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 14.2 2. Leaf Angle INTERMEDIATE Number 17.6 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 72.6 Width cm. 9.5 3. Tassel Length cm. 38.3 Spike Length cm. 30.2 Peduncle Length cm. 6.7 Branch Number 5.4 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color PINK Number Per Stalk 1.2 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 17.8 Diameter cm. 3.8 Weight gm. 98.6 Shank Length cm. 13.3 Shank Internodes 6.5 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 6.6 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 2.2 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 81.0 5. Kernel Row Number 12.0 Number Per Row 27.7 Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 10.2 Width mm. 8.8 Thickness 4.9 Weight of 1000K gm. 313.4 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 26 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE MM402A PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.4 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.5 Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 13.4 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 18.6 Length cm. 77.2 Width cm. 10.0 Sheath Anthocyanin ABSENT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Total Length cm. 25.9 Spike Length cm. 24.6 Peduncle Length cm. 7.0 Attitude COMPACT Branch Number 1.8 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 17.6 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 4.3 Weight gm. 131.3 Shank Length cm. 11.2 Shank Internode Number 7.9 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 5.5 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 2.5 Cob Color WHITE Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 88.6 5. Kernel Row Number 18.1 Number Per Row 30.2 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 11.1 Width mm. 7.9 Thickness 4.7 Weight of 1000K gm. 276.6 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 27 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE MBZA PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1991 and 1992 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Length cm. 12.5 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.0 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 82.2 Width cm. 9.8 Sheath Anthocyanin BASAL STRONG Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 35.4 Spike Length cm. 26.0 Peduncle Length cm. 5.4 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 9.3 Anther Color RED Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color RED Number Per Stalk 1.5 Length cm. 16.6 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 4.0 Weight gm. 114.2 Shank Length cm. 14.5 Shank Internode Number 7.6 Husk Cover 7.1 Husk Opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 2.2 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 85.9 5. Kernel Row Number 14.9 Number Per Row 35.5 Row Direction CURVED Cap Color YELLOW Side Color DEEP YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 10.7 Width mm. 7.9 Thickness 3.8 Weight of 1000K gm. 221.7 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 28 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 2FADB PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA 1991 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.0 Anthocyanin BASAL-WEAK Nodes With Brace Roots 2.0 Brace Root Color PURPLE Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 12.7 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.0 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 72.8 Width cm. 8.6 Sheath Anthocyanin STRONG Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Length cm. 27.4 Spike Length cm. 20.1 Peduncle Length cm. 6.5 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 7.8 Anther Color RED Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color TAN Number Per Stalk 1.2 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 13.6 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 4.1 Weight gm. 108.0 Shank Length cm. 13.8 Shank Internode Number 8.2 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 5.7 Husk Opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh LIGHT GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 2.3 Cob Color RED Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 84.1 5. Kernel Row Number 14.4 Number Per Row 27.4 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color DEEP-YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 11.2 Width mm. 8.2 Thickness 4.1 Weight of 1000K gm. 290.3 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 29 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE 91BMA2 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1991 AND 1992 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 1.8 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.1 Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 12.1 2. Leaf Angle INTERMEDIATE Number 19.0 Color MEDIUM GREEN Length cm. 65.5 Width cm. 8.4 Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 32.0 Spike Length cm. 23.2 Peduncle Length cm. 7.7 Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 4.0 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 13.5 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 3.4 Weight gm. 92.5 Shank Length cm. 13.9 Shank Internode Number 6.4 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover 5.9 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 2.0 Cob Color RED Shelling Percent 82.7 5. Kernel Row Number 12.7 Number Per Row 27.8 Row Direction CURVED Type INTERMEDIATE Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 9.6 Width mm. 7.4 Thickness 3.5 Weight of 1000K gm. 225.3 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

For convenience, the following table, Table 30, sets forth the exemplary hybrids produced using the inbreds of the present invention. The particular tables of the present specification that set forth the morphological characteristics, RFLP and isoenzyme marker profiles of the inbred parents and exemplary hybrid corn plants are referenced within Table 30.

TABLE 30 INBRBD AND HYBRID TABLE CROSS-REFERENCES MORPH- ISO- MORPH- ISO- EXEM- COMPAR- MORPH- ISO- 1st OLOGICAL RFLP ZYME 2nd OLOGICAL RFLP ZYME PLARY ISON OLOGICAL RFLP ZYME INBRED TRAITS DATA DATA INRED TRAITS DATA DATA HYBRID DATA TRAITS DATA DATA GMLEA 2 52 64 6F905 4 53 65 DK706 32 42 76 86 6F905 4 53 65 GMLEA 2 52 64 DK706 32 42 76 86 91CSV-1 6 54 66 01ASB1 18 60 72 DK446 33 43 77 87 91DFA-5 8 55 67 78551S 25 DK474 37 47 81 91 WDAQ2 10 56 68 01IBH2 20 61 73 DK604 34 44 78 88 WDDQ1 12 57 69 MM402A 26 DK642 38 48 82 92 85DGD1 14 58 70 MBZA 27 DK560 39 49 83 93 PHEI4 16 59 71 2FADB 28 DK566 40 50 84 94 01ASB1 18 60 72 91CSV-1 6 54 66 DK446 33 43 77 87 01IBH2 20 61 73 91BMA2 29 DK442 36 46 80 90 WDAQ2 10 56 68 DK604 34 44 78 88 FBMU 24 63 75 DK527 35 45 79 89 NL054B 22 62 74 MM402A 26 DK626 41 51 85 95 FBMU 24 63 75 01IBH2 20 61 73 DK527 35 45 79 89

XVI. Single Gene Conversions

When the term inbred corn plant is used in the context of the present invention, this also includes any single gene conversions of that inbred. The term single gene converted plant as used herein refers to those corn plants which are developed by a plant breeding technique called backcrossing wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of an inbred are recovered in addition to the single gene transferred into the inbred via the backcrossing technique. Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a characteristic into the inbred. The term backcrossing as used herein refers to the repeated crossing of a hybrid progeny back to one of the parental corn plants for that inbred. The parental corn plant which contributes the gene for the desired characteristic is termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental corn plant to which the gene or genes from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol (Poehlman & Sleper, 1994; Fehr, 1987). In a typical backcross protocol, the original inbred of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second inbred (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the single gene of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a corn plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the single transferred gene from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the original inbred. To accomplish this, a single gene of the recurrent inbred is modified or substituted with the desired gene from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological, constitution of the original inbred. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross, one of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable, agronomically important trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered to determine an appropriate testing protocol. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

Many single gene traits have been identified that are not regularly selected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Examples of these traits include but are not limited to, male sterility, waxy starch, herbicide resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, male fertility, enhanced nutritional quality, and industrial usage. These genes are generally inherited through the nucleus. Some known exceptions to this are the genes for male sterility, some of which are inherited cytoplasmically, but still act as single gene traits. Several of these single gene traits are described in U.S. Ser. No. 07/113,561, filed Aug. 25, 1993, the disclosure of which is specifically hereby incorporated by reference.

Direct selection may be applied where the single gene acts as a dominant trait. An example might be the herbicide resistance trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initial cross are sprayed with the herbicide prior to the backcrossing. The spraying eliminates any plants which do not have the desired herbicide resistance characteristic, and only those plants which have the herbicide resistance gene are used in the subsequent backcross. This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

The waxy characteristic is an example of a recessive trait. In this example, the progeny resulting from the first backcross generation (BC1) must be grown and selfed. A test is then run on the selfed seed from the BC1 plant to determine which BC1 plants carried the recessive gene for the waxy trait. In other recessive traits, additional progeny testing, for example growing additional generations such as the BC1S1 may be required to determine which plants carry the recessive gene.

XVII. Origin and Breeding History of an Exemplary Single Gene Converted Plant

85DGD1 MLms is a single gene conversion of 85DGD1 to cytoplasmic male sterility. 85DGD1 MLms was derived using backcross methods. 85DGD1 (a proprietary inbred of DEKALB Genetics Corporation) was used as the recurrent parent and MLms, a germplasm source carrying ML cytoplasmic sterility, was used as the nonrecurrent parent. The breeding history of the single gene converted inbred 85DGD1 MLms can be summarized as follows:

Hawaii Nurseries Made up S-O: Female row 585 male row Planting Date 4-2-92 500 Hawaii Nurseries S-O was grown and plants were planting Date 7-15-92 backcrossed times 85DGD1 (rows 444 × 443) Hawaii Nurseries Bulked seed of the BC1 was grown and Planting Date 11-18-92 backcrossed times 85DGD1 (rows V3-27 × V3-26) Hawaii Nurseries Bulked seed of the BC2 was grown and Planting Date 4-2-93 backcrossed times 85DGD1 (rows 37 × 36) Hawaii Nurseries Bulked seed of the BC3 was grown and Planting Date 7-14-93 backcrossed times 85DGD1 (rows 99 × 98) Hawaii Nurseries Bulked seed of BC4 was grown and Planting Date 10-28-93 backcrossed times 85DGD1 (rows KS-63 × KS-62) Summer 1994 A single ear of the BC5 was grown and backcrossed times 85DGD1 (MC94-822 × MC94-822-7) Winter 1994 Bulked seed of the BC6 was grown and backcrossed times 85DGD1 (3Q-1 × 3Q-2) Summer 1995 Seed of the BC7 was bulked and named 85DGD1 MLms.

XVIII. Tissue Culture and IN VITRO Regeneration of Corn Plants

A further aspect of the invention relates to tissue culture of corn plants designated, separately, GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. As used herein, the term “tissue culture” indicates a composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant. Exemplary types of tissue cultures are plant protoplast, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, husks, stalks, roots, root tips, anthers, silk and the like. In a preferred embodiment, tissue culture is embryos, protoplast, meristematic cells, pollen, leaves or anthers. Means for preparing and maintaining plant tissue culture are well known in the art. By way of example, a tissue culture comprising organs such as tassels or anthers, has been used to produce regenerated plants. (See, U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 07/992,637, filed Dec. 18, 1992 and Ser. No. 07/995,938, filed Dec. 21, 1992, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,789, issued Jun. 21, 1994, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference).

A. Tassel/Anther Culture

Tassels contain anthers which in turn enclose microspores. Microspores develop into pollen. For anther/microspore culture, if tassels are the plant composition, they are preferably selected at a stage when the microspores are uninucleate, that is, include only one, rather than 2 or 3 nuclei. Methods to determine the correct stage are well known to those skilled in the art and include mitramycin fluorescent staining (Pace et al., 1987), trypan blue (preferred) and acetocarmine squashing. The mid-uninucleate microspore stage has been found to be the developmental stage most responsive to the subsequent methods disclosed to ultimately produce plants.

Although microspore-containing plant organs such as tassels can generally be pretreated at any cold temperature below about 25° C., a range of 4 to 25° C. is preferred, and a range of 8 to 14° C. is particularly preferred. Although other temperatures yield embryoids and regenerated plants, cold temperatures produce optimum response rates compared to pretreatment at temperatures outside the preferred range. Response rate is measured as either the number of embryoids or the number of regenerated plants per number of microspores initiated in culture.

Although not required, when tassels are employed as the plant organ, it is generally preferred to sterilize their surface. Following surface sterilization of the tassels, for example, with a solution of calcium hypochloride, the anthers are removed from about 70 to 150 spikelets (small portions of the tassels) and placed in a preculture or pretreatment medium. Larger or smaller amounts can be used depending on the number of anthers.

When one elects to employ tassels directly, tassels are preferably pretreated at a cold temperature for a predefined time, preferably at 10° C. for about 4 days. After pretreatment of a whole tassel at a cold temperature, dissected anthers are further pretreated in an environment that diverts microspores from their developmental pathway. The function of the preculture medium is to switch the developmental program from one of pollen development to that of embryoid/callus development. An embodiment of such an environment in the form of a preculture medium includes a sugar alcohol, for example mannitol or sorbitol, inositol or the like. An exemplary synergistic combination is the use of mannitol at a temperature of about 10° C. for a period ranging from about 10 to 14 days. In a preferred embodiment, 3 ml of 0.3 M mannitol combined with 50 mg/l of ascorbic acid, silver nitrate and colchicine is used for incubation of anthers at 10° C. for between 10 and 14 days. Another embodiment is to substitute sorbitol for mannitol. The colchicine produces chromosome doubling at this early stage. The chromosome doubling agent is preferably only present at the preculture stage.

It is believed that the mannitol or other similar carbon structure or environmental stress induces starvation and functions to force microspores to focus their energies on entering developmental stages. The cells are unable to use, for example, mannitol as a carbon source at this stage. It is believed that these treatments confuse the cells causing them to develop as embryoids and plants from microspores. Dramatic increases in development from these haploid cells, as high as 25 embryoids in 10⁴ microspores, have resulted from using these methods.

In embodiments where microspores are obtained from anthers, microspores can be released from the anthers into an isolation medium following the mannitol preculture step. One method of release is by disruption of the anthers, for example, by chopping the anthers into pieces with a sharp instrument, such as a razor blade, scalpel or Waring blender. The resulting mixture of released microspores, anther fragments and isolation medium are then passed through a filter to separate microspores from anther wall fragments. An embodiment of a filter is a mesh, more specifically, a nylon mesh of about 112 μm pore size. The filtrate which results from filtering the microspore-containing solution is preferably relatively free of anther fragments, cell walls and other debris.

In a preferred embodiment, isolation of microspores is accomplished at a temperature below about 25° C. and, preferably at a temperature of less than about 15° C. Preferably, the isolation media, dispersing tool (e.g., razor blade) funnels, centrifuge tubes and dispersing container (e.g., petri dish) are all maintained at the reduced temperature during isolation. The use of a precooled dispersing tool to isolate maize microspores has been reported (Gaillard et al., 1991).

Where appropriate and desired, the anther filtrate is then washed several times in isolation medium. The purpose of the washing and centrifugation is to eliminate any toxic compounds which are contained in the non-microspore part of the filtrate and are created by the chopping process. The centrifugation is usually done at decreasing spin speeds, for example, 1000, 750, and finally 500 rpms.

The result of the foregoing steps is the preparation of a relatively pure tissue culture suspension of microspores that are relatively free of debris and anther remnants.

To isolate microspores, an isolation media is preferred. An isolation media is used to separate microspores from the anther walls while maintaining their viability and embryogenic potential. An illustrative embodiment of an isolation media includes a 6 percent sucrose or maltose solution combined with an antioxidant such as 50 mg/l of ascorbic acid, 0.1 mg/l biotin and 400 mg/l of proline, combined with 10 mg/l of nicotinic acid and 0.5 mg/l AgNO₃. In another embodiment, the biotin and proline are omitted.

An isolation media preferably has a higher antioxidant level where used to isolate microspores from a donor plant (a plant from which a plant composition containing a microspore is obtained) that is field grown in contrast to greenhouse grown. A preferred level of ascorbic acid in an isolation medium is from about 50 mg/l to about 125 mg/l and, more preferably from about 50 mg/l to about 100 mg/l.

One can find particular benefit in employing a support for the microspores during culturing and subculturing. Any support that maintains the cells near the surface can be used. The microspore suspension is layered onto a support, for example by pipetting. There are several types of supports which are suitable and are within the scope of the invention. An illustrative embodiment of a solid support is a TRANSWELL® culture dish. Another embodiment of a solid support for development of the microspores is a bilayer plate wherein liquid media is on top of a solid base. Other embodiments include a mesh or a millipore filter. Preferably, a solid support is a nylon mesh in the shape of a raft. A raft is defined as an approximately circular support material which is capable of floating slightly above the bottom of a tissue culture vessel, for example, a petri dish, of about a 60 or 100 mm size, although any other laboratory tissue culture vessel will suffice. In an illustrative embodiment, a raft is about 55 mm in diameter.

Culturing isolated microspores on a solid support, for example, on a 10 μm pore nylon raft floating on 2.2 ml of medium in a 60 mm petri dish, prevents microspores from sinking into the liquid medium and thus avoiding low oxygen tension. These types of cell supports enable the serial transfer of the nylon raft with its associated microspore/embryoids ultimately to full strength medium containing activated charcoal and solidified with, for example, GELRITE™ (solidifying agent). The charcoal is believed to absorb toxic wastes and intermediaries. The solid medium allows embryoids to mature.

The liquid medium passes through the mesh while the microspores are retained and supported at the medium-air interface. The surface tension of the liquid medium in the petri dish causes the raft to float. The liquid is able to pass through the mesh: consequently, the microspores stay on top. The mesh remains on top of the total volume of liquid medium. An advantage of the raft is to permit diffusion of nutrients to the microspores. Use of a raft also permits transfer of the microspores from dish to dish during subsequent subculture with minimal loss, disruption or disturbance of the induced embryoids that are developing. The rafts represent an advantage over the multi-welled TRANSWELL® plates, which are commercially available from COSTAR, in that the commercial plates are expensive. Another disadvantage of these plates is that to achieve the serial transfer of microspores to subsequent media, the membrane support with cells must be peeled off the insert in the wells. This procedure does not produce as good a yield nor as efficient transfers, as when a mesh is used as a vehicle for cell transfer.

The culture vessels can be further defined as either (1) a bilayer 60 mm petri plate wherein the bottom 2 ml of medium are solidified with 0.7 percent agarose overlaid with 1 mm of liquid containing the microspores; (2) a nylon mesh raft wherein a wafer of nylon is floated on 1.2 ml of medium and 1 ml of isolated microspores is pipetted on top; or (3) TRANSWELL® plates wherein isolated microspores are pipetted onto membrane inserts which support the microspores at the surface of 2 ml of medium.

After the microspores have been isolated, they are cultured in a low strength anther culture medium until about the 50 cell stage when they are subcultured onto an embryoid/callus maturation medium. Medium is defined at this stage as any combination of nutrients that permit the microspores to develop into embryoids or callus. Many examples of suitable embryoid/callus promoting media are well known to those skilled in the art. These media will typically comprise mineral salts, a carbon source, vitamins, growth regulations. A solidifying agent is optional. A preferred embodiment of such a media is referred to by the inventor as the “D medium” which typically includes 6N1 salts, AgNO₃ and sucrose or maltose.

In an illustrative embodiment, 1 ml of isolated microspores are pipetted onto a 10 μm nylon raft and the raft is floated on 1.2 ml of medium “D”, containing sucrose or, preferably maltose. Both calli and embryoids can develop. Calli are undifferentiated aggregates of cells. Type I is a relatively compact, organized and slow growing callus. Type II is a soft, friable and fast-growing one. Embryoids are aggregates exhibiting some embryo-like structures. The embryoids are preferred for subsequent steps to regenerating plants. Culture medium “D” is an embodiment of medium that follows the isolation medium and replaces it. Medium “D” promotes growth to an embryoid/callus. This medium comprises 6N1 salts at 1/8 the strength of a basic stock solution, (major components) and minor components, plus 12 percent sucrose or, preferably 12 percent maltose, 0.1 mg/l B1, 0.5 mg/l nicotinic acid, 400 mg/l proline and 0.5 mg/l silver nitrate. Silver nitrate is believed to act as an inhibitor to the action of ethylene. Multi-cellular structures of approximately 50 cells each generally arise during a period of 12 days to 3 weeks. Serial transfer after a two week incubation period is preferred.

After the petri dish has been incubated for an appropriate period of time, preferably two weeks, in the dark at a predefined temperature, a raft bearing the dividing microspores is transferred serially to solid based media which promotes embryo maturation. In an illustrative embodiment, the incubation temperature is 30° C. and the mesh raft supporting the embryoids is transferred to a 100 mm petri dish containing the 6N1-TGR-4P medium, an “anther culture medium.” This medium contains 6N1 salts, supplemented with 0.1 mg/l TIBA, 12 percent sugar (sucrose, maltose or a combination thereof), 0.5 percent activated charcoal, 400 mg/l proline, 0.5 mg/l B, 0.5 mg/l nicotinic acid, and 0.2 percent GELRITE™ (solidifying agent) and is capable of promoting the maturation of the embryoids. Higher quality embryoids, that is, embryoids which exhibit more organized development, such as better shoot meristem formation without precocious germination were typically obtained with the transfer to full strength medium compared to those resulting from continuous culture using only, for example, the isolated microspore culture (IMC) Medium “D.” The maturation process permits the pollen embryoids to develop further in route toward the eventual regeneration of plants. Serial transfer occurs to full strength solidified 6N1 medium using either the nylon raft, the TRANSWELL® membrane or bilayer plates, each one requiring the movement of developing embryoids to permit further development into physiologically more mature structures.

In an especially preferred embodiment, microspores are isolated in an isolation media comprising about 6 percent maltose, cultured for about two weeks in an embryoid/calli induction medium comprising about 12 percent maltose and then transferred to a solid medium comprising about 12 percent sucrose.

At the point of transfer of the raft after about two weeks incubation, embryoids exist on a nylon support. The purpose of transferring the raft with the embryoids to a solidified medium after the incubation is to facilitate embryo maturation. Mature embryoids at this point are selected by visual inspection indicated by zygotic embryo-like dimensions and structures and are transferred to the shoot initiation medium. It is preferred that shoots develop before roots, or that shoots and roots develop concurrently. If roots develop before shoots, plant regeneration can be impaired. To produce solidified media, the bottom of a petri dish of approximately 100 mm is covered with about 30 ml of 0.2 percent GELRITE™ (solidifying agent) solidified medium. A sequence of regeneration media are used for whole plant formation from the embryoids.

During the regeneration process, individual embryoids are induced to form plantlets. The number of different media in the sequence can vary depending on the specific protocol used. Finally, a rooting medium is used as a prelude to transplanting to soil. When plantlets reach a height of about 5 cm, they are then transferred to pots for further growth into flowering plants in a greenhouse by methods well known to those skilled in the art.

Plants have been produced from isolated microspore cultures by methods disclosed herein, including self-pollinated plants. The rate of embryoid induction was much higher with the synergistic preculture treatment consisting of a combination of stress factors, including a carbon source which can be capable of inducing starvation, a cold temperature and colchicine, than has previously been reported. An illustrative embodiment of the synergistic combination of treatments leading to the dramatically improved response rate compared to prior methods, is a temperature of about 10° C., mannitol as a carbon source, and 0.05 percent colchicine.

The inclusion of ascorbic acid, an anti-oxidant, in the isolation medium is preferred for maintaining good microspore viability. However, there seems to be no advantage to including mineral salts in the isolation medium. The osmotic potential of the isolation medium was maintained optimally with about 6 percent sucrose, although a range of 2 percent to 12 percent is within the scope of this invention.

In an embodiment of the embryoid/callus organizing media, mineral salts concentration in IMC Culture Media “D” is (1/8×), the concentration which is used also in anther culture medium. The 6N1 salts major components have been modified to remove ammonium nitrogen. Osmotic potential in the culture medium is maintained with about 12 percent sucrose and about 400 mg/l proline. Silver nitrate (0.5 mg/l) was included in the medium to modify ethylene activity. The preculture media is further characterized by having a pH of about 5.7 to 6.0. Silver nitrate and vitamins do not appear to be crucial to this medium but do improve the efficiency of the response.

Whole anther cultures can also be used in the production of monocotyledonous plants from a plant culture system. There are some basic similarities of anther culture methods and microspore culture methods with regard to the media used. A difference from isolated microspore cultures is that undisrupted anthers are cultured, so that a support, e.g. a nylon mesh support, is not needed. The first step in developing the anther cultures is to incubate tassels at a cold temperature. A cold temperature is defined as less than about 25° C. More specifically, the incubation of the tassels is preferably performed at about 10° C. A range of 8 to 14° C. is also within the scope of the invention. The anthers are then dissected from the tassels, preferably after surface sterilization using forceps, and placed on solidified medium. An example of such a medium is designated by the inventors as 6N1-TGR-P4.

The anthers are then treated with environmental conditions that are combinations of stresses that are capable of diverting microspores from gametogenesis to embryogenesis. It is believed that the stress effect of sugar alcohols in the preculture medium, for example, mannitol, is produced by inducing starvation at the predefined temperature. In one embodiment, the incubation pretreatment is for about 14 days at 10° C. It was found that treating the anthers in addition with a carbon structure, an illustrative embodiment being a sugar alcohol, preferably, mannitol, produces dramatically higher anther culture response rates as measured by the number of eventually regenerated plants, than by treatment with either cold treatment or mannitol alone. These results are particularly surprising in light of teachings that cold is better than mannitol for these purposes, and that warmer temperatures interact with mannitol better.

To incubate the anthers, they are floated on a preculture medium which diverts the microspores from gametogenesis, preferably on a mannitol carbon structure, more specifically, 0.3 M of mannitol plus 50 mg/l of ascorbic acid. 3 ml is about the total amount in a dish, for example, a tissue culture dish, more specifically, a 60 mm petri dish. Anthers are isolated from about 120 spikelets for one dish yields about 360 anthers.

Chromosome doubling agents can be used in the preculture media for anther cultures. Several techniques for doubling chromosome number (Jensen, 1974; Wan et al., 1989) have been described. Colchicine is one of the doubling agents. However, developmental abnormalities arising from in vitro cloning are further enhanced by colchicine treatments, and previous reports indicated that colchicine is toxic to microspores. The addition of colchicine in increasing concentrations during mannitol pretreatment prior to anther culture and microspore culture has achieved improved percentages.

An illustrative embodiment of the combination of a chromosome doubling agent and preculture medium is one which contains colchicine. In a specific embodiment, the colchicine level is preferably about 0.05 percent. The anthers remain in the mannitol preculture medium with the additives for about 10 days at 10° C. Anthers are then placed on maturation media, for example, that designated 6N1-TGR-P4, for 3 to 6 weeks to induce embryoids. If the plants are to be regenerated from the embryoids, shoot regeneration medium is employed, as in the isolated microspore procedure described in the previous sections. Other regeneration media can be used sequentially to complete regeneration of whole plants.

The anthers are then exposed to embryoid/callus promoting medium, for example, that designated 6N1-TGR-P4 to obtain callus or embryoids. The embryoids are recognized by identification visually of embryonic-like structures. At this stage, the embryoids are transferred serially to a series of regeneration media. In an illustrative embodiment, the shoot initiation medium comprises BAP (6-benzyl-amino-purine) and NAA (naphthalene acetic acid). Regeneration protocols for isolated microspore cultures and anther cultures are similar.

B. Other Cultures and Regeneration

The present invention contemplates a corn plant regenerated from a tissue culture of an inbred (e.g. GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU) or hybrid plant (DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527, DK626) of the present invention. As is well known in the art, tissue culture of corn can be used for the in vitro regeneration of a corn plant. By way of example, a process of tissue culturing and regeneration of corn is described in European Patent Application, publication 160,390, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Corn tissue culture procedures are also described in Green & Rhodes (1982) and Duncan et al., (1985). The study by Duncan indicates that 97 percent of cultured plants produced calli capable of regenerating plants. Subsequent studies have shown that both inbreds and hybrids produced 91 percent regenerable calli that produced plants.

Other studies indicate that non-traditional tissues are capable of producing somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. See, e.g., Songstad et al. (1986), and Conger et al. (1987), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Briefly, by way of example, to regenerate a plant of this invention, cells are selected following growth in culture. Where employed, cultured cells are preferably grown either on solid supports or in the form of liquid suspensions as set forth above. In either instance, nutrients are provided to the cells in the form of media, and environmental conditions are controlled. There are many types of tissue culture media comprising amino acids, salts, sugars, hormones and vitamins. Most of the media employed to regenerate inbred and hybrid plants have some similar components, the media differ in the composition and proportions of their ingredients depending on the particular application envisioned. For example, various cell types usually grow in more than one type of media, but exhibit different growth rates and different morphologies, depending on the growth media. In some media, cells survive but do not divide. Various types of media suitable for culture of plant cells have been previously described and discussed above.

An exemplary embodiment for culturing recipient corn cells in suspension cultures includes using embryogenic cells in Type II (Armstrong & Green, 1985; Gordon-Kamm et al., 1990) callus, selecting for small (10 to 30μ) isodiametric, cytoplasmically dense cells, growing the cells in suspension cultures with hormone containing media, subculturing into a progression of media to facilitate development of shoots and roots, and finally, hardening the plant and readying it metabolically for growth in soil.

Meristematic cells (i.e., plant cells capable of continual cell division and characterized by an undifferentiated cytological appearance, normally found at growing points or tissues in plants such as root tips, stem apices, lateral buds, etc.) can be cultured.

Embryogenic calli are produced (Gordon-Kamm et al., 1990). Specifically, plants from hybrids produced from crossing an inbred of the present invention with another inbred are grown to flowering in a greenhouse. Explants from at least one of the following F₁ tissues: the immature tassel tissue, intercalary meristems and leaf bases, apical meristems, and immature ears are placed in an initiation medium which contain MS salts, supplemented with thiamine, agar, and sucrose. Cultures are incubated in the dark at about 23° C. All culture manipulations and selections are performed with the aid of a dissecting microscope.

After about 5 to 7 days, cellular outgrowths are observed from the surface of the explants. After about 7 to 21 days, the outgrowths are subcultured by placing them into fresh medium of the same composition. Some of the intact immature embryo explants are placed on fresh medium. Several subcultures later (after about 2 to 3 months) enough material is present from explants for subdivision of these embryogenic calli into two or more pieces.

Callus pieces from different explants are not mixed. After further growth and subculture (about 6 months after embryogenic callus initiation), there are usually between 1 and 100 pieces derived ultimately from each selected explant. During this time of culture expansion, a characteristic embryogenic culture morphology develops as a result of careful selection at each subculture. Any organized structures resembling roots or root primordia are discarded. Material known from experience to lack the capacity for sustained growth is also discarded (translucent, watery, embryogenic structures). Structures with a firm consistency resembling at least in part the scutulum of the in vivo embryo are selected.

The callus is maintained on agar-solidified MS-type media. A preferred hormone is 2,4-D. Visual selection of embryo-like structures is done to obtain subcultures. Transfer of material other than that displaying embryogenic morphology results in loss of the ability to recover whole plants from the callus. Some calli exhibit somaclonal variation. These are phenotypic changes appearing in culture.

Cell suspensions are prepared from the calli by selecting cell populations that appear homogeneous macroscopically. A portion of the friable, rapidly growing embryogenic calli is inoculated into MS Medium. The calli in medium are incubated at about 27° C. on a gyrotary shaker in the dark or in the presence of low light. The resultant suspension culture is transferred about once every seven days by taking about 5 to 10 ml of the culture and introducing this inoculum into fresh medium of the composition listed above.

For regeneration, embryos which appear on the callus surface are selected and regenerated into whole plants by transferring the embryogenic structures into a sequence of solidified media which include decreasing concentrations of 2,4-D or other auxins. Other hormones which can be used in the media include dicamba, NAA, ABA, BAP, and 2-NCA. The reduction is relative to the concentration used in culture maintenance media. Plantlets are regenerated from these embryos by transfer to a hormone-free medium, subsequently transferred to soil, and grown to maturity.

Progeny are produced by taking pollen and selfing, backcrossing or sibling regenerated plants by methods well known to those skilled in the arts. Seeds are collected from the regenerated plants.

XIX. Processes of Preparing Corn Plants and the Corn Plants Produced by Such Processes

The present invention also provides a process of preparing a novel corn plant and a corn plant produced by such a process. In accordance with such a process, a first parent corn plant is crossed with a second parent corn plant wherein at least one of the first and second corn plants is the inbred corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. In one embodiment, a corn plant prepared by such a process is a first generation F₁ hybrid corn plant prepared by a process wherein both the first and second parent corn plants are inbred corn plants.

Corn plants (Zea mays L.) can be crossed by either natural or mechanical techniques. Natural pollination occurs in corn when wind blows pollen from the tassels to the silks that protrude from the tops of the incipient ears. Mechanical pollination can be effected either by controlling the types of pollen that can blow onto the silks or by pollinating by hand.

In a preferred embodiment, crossing comprises the steps of:

(a) planting in pollinating proximity seeds of a first and a second parent corn plant, and preferably, seeds of a first inbred corn plant and a second, distinct inbred corn plant;

(b) cultivating or growing the seeds of the first and second parent corn plants into plants that bear flowers;

(c) emasculating flowers of either the first or second parent corn plant, i.e., treating the flowers so as to prevent pollen production, in order to produce an emasculated parent corn plant;

(d) allowing natural cross-pollination to occur between the first and second parent corn plant;

(e) harvesting seeds produced on the emasculated parent corn plant; and, where desired,

(f) growing the harvested seed into a corn plant, or preferably, a hybrid corn plant.

Parental plants are planted in pollinating proximity to each other by planting the parental plants in alternating rows, in blocks or in any other convenient planting pattern. Plants of both parental parents are cultivated and allowed to grow until the time of flowering. Advantageously, during this growth stage, plants are in general treated with fertilizer and/or other agricultural chemicals as considered appropriate by the grower.

At the time of flowering, in the event that plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, is employed as the male parent, the tassels of the other parental plant are removed from all plants employed as the female parental plant. The detasseling can be achieved manually but also can be done by machine if desired.

The plants are then allowed to continue to grow and natural cross-pollination occurs as a result of the action of wind, which is normal in the pollination of grasses, including corn. As a result of the emasculation of the female parent plant, all the pollen from the male parent plant, e.g., GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, is available for pollination because tassels, and thereby pollen bearing flowering parts, have been previously removed from all plants of the inbred plant being used as the female in the hybridization. Of course, during this hybridization procedure, the parental varieties are grown such that they are isolated from other corn fields to prevent any accidental contamination of pollen from foreign sources. These isolation techniques are well within the skill of those skilled in this art.

Both of the parent inbred plants of corn are allowed to continue to grow until maturity, but only the ears from the female inbred parental plants are harvested to obtain seeds of a novel F₁ hybrid. The novel F₁ hybrid seed produced can then be planted in a subsequent growing season with the desirable characteristics in terms of F₁ hybrid corn plants providing improved grain yields and the other desirable characteristics disclosed herein, being achieved.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, both first and second parent corn plants can come from the same inbred corn plant, i.e., from the inbreds designated, separately, GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. Thus, any corn plant produced using a process of the present invention and inbred corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, is contemplated by this invention. As used herein, crossing can mean selfing, backcrossing, crossing to another or the same inbred, crossing to populations, and the like. All corn plants produced using the present inbred corn plants, i.e., GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, as a parent are within the scope of this invention.

The utility of the inbred plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU, also extends to crosses with other species. Commonly, suitable species will be of the family Graminaceae, and especially of the genera Zea, Tripsacum, Coix, Schlerachne, Polytoca, Chionachne, and Trilobachne, of the tribe Maydeae. Of these, Zea and Tripsacum, are most preferred. Potentially suitable for crosses with GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU can be the various varieties of grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

A. F₁ Hybrid Corn Plant and Seed Production

Where the inbred corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU is crossed with another, different, corn inbred, a first generation (F₁) corn hybrid plant is produced. Both a F₁ hybrid corn plant and a seed of that F₁ hybrid corn plant are contemplated as aspects of the present invention.

Inbreds GMLEA and 6F905 have been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK706; inbreds 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1 have been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK446; inbreds WDAQ2 and 01IBH2 have been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK604; inbreds 01IBH2 and FBMU have been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK527; inbred 91DFA-5 has been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK474; inbred WDDQ1 has been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK642; inbred 85DGD1 has been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK560; inbred PHEI4 has been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK566; inbred 01IBH2 has additionally been used to prepare the F₁ hybrid corn plant designated DK442; and inbred NL054B has been used to prepare an F₁ hybrid corn plant, designated DK626.

The goal of a process of producing an F₁ hybrid is to manipulate the genetic complement of corn to generate new combinations of genes which interact to yield new or improved traits (phenotypic characteristics). A process of producing an F₁ hybrid typically begins with the production of one or more inbred plants. Those plants are produced by repeated crossing of ancestrally related corn plants to try and concentrate certain genes within the inbred plants. The production of inbreds GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU has been set forth hereinbefore.

Corn has a diploid phase which means two conditions of a gene (two alleles) occupy each locus (position on a chromosome). If the alleles are the same at a locus, there is said to be homozygosity. If they are different, there is said to be heterozygosity. In a completely inbred plant, all loci are homozygous. Because many loci when homozygous are deleterious to the plant, in particular leading to reduced vigor, less kernels, weak and/or poor growth, production of inbred plants is an unpredictable and arduous process. Under some conditions, heterozygous advantage at some loci effectively bars perpetuation of homozygosity.

Inbreeding requires coddling and sophisticated manipulation by human breeders. Even in the extremely unlikely event inbreeding rather than crossbreeding occurred in natural corn, achievement of complete inbreeding cannot be expected in nature due to well known deleterious effects of homozygosity and the large number of generations the plant would have to breed in isolation. The reason for the breeder to create inbred plants is to have a known reservoir of genes whose gametic transmission is at least somewhat predictable.

The development of inbred plants generally requires at least about 5 to 7 generations of selfing. Inbred plants are then cross-bred in an attempt to develop improved F₁ hybrids. Hybrids are then screened and evaluated in small scale field trials. Typically, about 10 to 15 phenotypic traits, selected for their potential commercial value, are measured. A selection index of the most commercially important traits is used to help evaluate hybrids. FACT, an acronym for Field Analysis Comparison Trial (strip trials), is an on-farm testing program employed by DEKALB Plant Genetics to perform the final evaluation of the commercial potential of a product.

During the next several years, a progressive elimination of hybrids occurs based on more detailed evaluation of their phenotype. Eventually, strip trials (FACT) are conducted to formally compare the experimental hybrids being developed with other hybrids, some of which were previously developed and generally are commercially successful. That is, comparisons of experimental hybrids are made to competitive hybrids to determine if there was any advantage to further commercial development of the experimental hybrids. Examples of such comparisons are presented in XVII, Section B, hereinbelow.

When the inbred parental plant, i.e., GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, is crossed with another inbred plant to yield a hybrid (such as the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527, DK626), the original inbred can serve as either the maternal or paternal plant. For many crosses, the outcome is the same regardless of the assigned sex of the parental plants.

However, there is often one of the parental plants that is preferred as the maternal plant because of increased seed yield and production characteristics. Some plants produce tighter ear husks leading to more loss, for example due to rot. There can be delays in silk formation which deleteriously affect timing of the reproductive cycle for a pair of parental inbreds. Seed coat characteristics can be preferable in one plant. Pollen can be shed better by one plant. Other variables can also affect preferred sexual assignment of a particular cross.

Table 31 shows the male and female parentage of the exemplary hybrids DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527, DK626.

TABLE 31 HYBRID PARENTAGE HYBRID PARENTAGE: HYBRID NAME FEMALE MALE DK706 6F905 GMLEA DK446 01ASB1 91CSV-1 DK474 91DFA-5 78551S DK642 WDDQ1 MM402A DK604 01IBH2 WDAQ2 DK560 85DGD1 MBZA DK566 2FADB PHEI4 DK442 01IBH2 91BMA2 DK527 FBMU 01IBH2 DK626 NL054B MM402A

B. F₁ Hybrid Comparisons

As mentioned in Section A, hybrids are progressively eliminated following detailed evaluations of their phenotype, including formal comparisons with other commercially successful hybrids. Strip trials are used to compare the phenotypes of hybrids grown in as many environments as possible. They are performed in many environments to assess overall performance of the new hybrids and to select optimum growing conditions. Because the corn is grown in close proximity, environmental factors that affect gene expression, such as moisture, temperature, sunlight and pests, are minimized. For a decision to be made that a hybrid is worth making commercially available, it is not necessary that the hybrid be better than all other hybrids. Rather, significant improvements must be shown in at least some traits that would create improvements in some niches.

Examples of such comparative data are set forth hereinbelow in Tables 32 through 41, which present a comparison of performance data for the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527 and DK626, versus several other selected hybrids of commercial value.

Specifically, Table 32 presents a comparison of performance data for DK706 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK711 and DK715). DK706 has GMLEA and 6F905, both inbreds of the invention, as parents.

Table 33 presents a comparison of performance data for DK446 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK421 and DK451). DK446 has 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1, both inbreds of the invention, as parents.

Table 34 presents a comparison of performance data for DK604 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK591 and DK612). DK604 has WDAQ2 and 01IBH2, both inbreds of the invention, as parents.

Table 35 presents a comparison of performance data for DK527 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK501 and DK512). DK527 has 01IBH2 and FBMU, both inbreds of the invention, as parents.

Table 36 presents a comparison of performance data for DK442 versus several selected hybrids of commercial value (DK421, DK446 and DK451). DK442 also has 01IBH2 as one inbred parent.

Table 37 presents a comparison of performance data for DK474 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK473 and DK485). DK474 has 91DFA-5 as one inbred parent.

Table 38 presents a comparison of performance data for DK642 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK636 and DK646). DK642 has WDDQ1 as one inbred parent.

Table 39 presents a comparison of performance data for DK560 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK554 and DK564). DK560 has 85DGD1 as one inbred parent.

Table 40 presents a comparison of performance data for DK566 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK554 and DK564). DK566 has PHEI4 as one inbred parent.

Table 41 presents a comparison of performance data for DK626 versus two selected hybrids of commercial value (DK623 and DK636). These data represent results across years and locations for strip trials. DK626 has NL054B as one inbred parent.

All the data in Tables 32 through 41 represent results across years and locations for strip trials. In all cases, the “NTEST” represents the number of paired observations in designated tests at locations around the United States.

TABLE 32 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK706 HY- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID NTEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK706 F 35 103.2 99.6 13.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 99.4 58.2 119.6 DK711 100.7 97.7 13.2 0.9 0.0 0.0 100.7 60.2 119.7 ** DK706 R 135 108.4 160.3 19.3 1.7 0.5 0.0 100.2 6.4 102.6 99.3 50.2 0.9 5.1 58.6 1351 120.9 DK715 99.5 150.6 19.1 2.4 0.2 0.1 100.3 6.4 100.0 95.3 43.3 0.6 5.0 57.4 1314 120.6 ** ** * * + * ** ** ** ** + F 86 104.1 118.5 16.0 1.6 0.1 0.0 99.9 58.2 119.9 99.4 113.7 16.0 1.5 0.1 0.0 100.0 57.3 119.6 ** ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS= Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Day) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 33 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK446 HY- N- YLD MST STL RT DRP FLST SV ELSTD PHT EHT SG TST ESTR BRID TEST SI % C BU PTS % L % % D % M RAT % M INCH INCH BAR % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK446 R 95 107.5 139.1 22.2 2.5 1.4 0.2 100.3 5.9 103.0 89.5 43.4 0.0 5.5 51.7 1274 94.2 DK421 97.5 126.8 21.3 2.8 0.5 0.1 100.2 5.1 100.3 84.4 41.4 0.0 4.3 53.8 1280 93.5 ** ** ** * ** * ** ** ** ** F 87 100.2 109.2 24.3 3.7 1.7 0.0 100.0 51.1 93.5 99.4 103.9 23.0 2.2 0.1 0.0 99.8 51.2 92.5 ** ** ** ** DK446 R 62 109.7 148.4 22.5 2.7 1.3 0.2 100.3 5.8 103.5 90.5 43.0 0.0 5.5 58.4 1272 94.3 DK451 96.2 136.6 23.7 3.2 0.2 0.1 100.4 5.6 100.1 82.4 35.3 0.0 4.7 56.2 1253 95.3 ** ** ** * ** ** ** + * ** F 54 103.4 126.2 22.4 1.2 2.0 0.1 100.7 51.9 94.1 98.4 125.0 24.5 1.8 0.1 0.0 101.6 50.6 96.6 ** ** * ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ESLSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent ot Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Right (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shad ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = percent

TABLE 34 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK604 HY- N- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SW ELSTD PHT ENT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID TEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK604 R 395 107.6 149.5 19.9 3.9 1.6 0.3 99.8 6.1 98.0 91.7 45.8 0.8 5.9 52.3 1356 108.0 DK591 102.2 145.4 20.7 4.2 1.1 0.2 100.3 5.7 99.9 92.5 44.8 0.8 5.0 52.8 1343 108.8 ** ** ** + ** + ** ** ** * * ** * ** ** F 130 107.3 141.6 21.5 3.1 0.5 0.4 98.8 52.8 107.9 102.9 139.4 22.1 4.5 0.6 0.3 101.2 52.5 108.9 ** * ** ** ** ** ** DK60A R 56 108.2 172.6 19.9 2.6 2.1 0.2 99.8 6.1 98.3 91.4 45.6 0.9 5.9 54.4 1325 108.5 DK612 77.8 145.2 22.1 2.7 2.2 0.1 100.0 5.9 96.3 82.3 35.8 1.4 3.5 57.5 1255 110.8 ** ** ** + ** ** ** ** ** ** F 26 108.9 132.9 20.6 5.2 0.9 1.0 100.0 53.5 107.8 90.6 117.4 21.7 6.1 1.1 0.8 100.9 54.7 110.6 ** ** * ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % N = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Planta (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TBT LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + =10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 35 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK527 HY- SI YLD MST STL RTL FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID NTEST % C BU PTS % % DRP % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK527 R 146 103.4 152.8 22.7 3.6 2.5 0.2 99.8 5.5 98.5 87.2 39.5 0.5 4.9 51.9 1283 100.3 DK501 100.4 147.2 22.6 2.2 0.7 0.1 100.3 5.1 99.9 82.8 34.0 1.1 4.3 50.8 1275 100.3 F 58 * ** ** ** * ** ** ** + ** 107.7 121.1 23.7 1.7 1.6 0.0 98.7 50.7 99.3 102.2 117.3 25.0 1.1 1.0 0.0 99.2 48.9 100.4 ** * ** * ** ** DK527 R 262 98.6 134.7 24.0 3.3 2.6 0.1 100.3 5.7 100.5 85.5 38.4 0.4 4.7 50.6 1255 101.2 DK512 98.0 130.9 23.2 3.1 0.9 0.2 99.9 4.9 99.7 87.9 42.2 0.4 4.6 48.4 1265 100.2 F 153 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** * ** 105.0 123.6 22.9 2.6 1.7 0.1 99.5 51.8 100.4 102.2 120.0 22.7 3.1 0.6 0.1 100.7 49.9 99.9 ** ** ** ** * Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 36 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK442 HY- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID NTEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK442 R 96 106.0 138.9 21.5 5.3 0.7 0.1 100.1 6.0 102.3 87.2 43.5 0.0 5.9 51.3 1297 93.6 DK421 97.7 120.0 21.2 2.8 0.5 0.1 100.3 5.2 100.7 84.2 41.1 0.0 4.3 53.8 1283 93.5 ** ** ** + ** ** ** ** + * F 81 101.2 112.0 25.0 6.4 1.0 0.1 100.6 49.7 93.5 100.1 104.7 23.4 2.4 0.1 0.0 100.2 51.0 92.3 ** ** ** ** ** DK442 R 155 102.7 129.2 22.8 4.9 1.4 0.0 100.4 5.8 105.3 86.4 44.1 6.1 51.1 1269 94.6 DK446 105.7 131.4 22.8 2.5 2.4 0.0 100.3 5.9 102.7 88.4 43.9 5.1 51.7 1247 94.6 ** * ** ** ** ** ** ** F 92 102.5 114.3 23.8 5.7 1.2 0.0 101.0 50.1 93.8 100.6 111.6 23.9 3.7 1.9 0.0 100.6 51.4 93.6 * ** ** DK443 R 63 108.1 147.4 21.5 5.5 0.2 0.2 100.2 6.1 102.4 88.2 43.3 0.0 5.7 56.3 1298 93.4 DK451 96.3 138.3 23.6 3.4 0.2 0.1 100.3 5.7 100.4 81.9 35.8 0.0 4.6 56.2 1255 95.3 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** + ** ** F 44 103.2 122.1 23.9 2.5 0.4 0.1 101.0 50.1 93.8 97.6 120.4 26.0 2.3 0.1 0.0 101.6 50.2 96.1 ** ** + ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 37 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK474 HY- N- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID TEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK474 R 83 104.1 150.1 23.9 3.0 0.7 0.0 100.1 5.7 99.3 88.5 39.3 0.3 5.8 55.3 1236 96.6 DK473 92.7 142.4 25.1 4.8 0.4 0.0 99.7 5.1 100.4 87.6 39.5 0.0 5.6 54.6 1247 97.8 F 26 ** ** ** ** ** + ** + ** 103.2 140.0 27.9 3.7 0.9 0.0 99.5 51.5 95.9 98.0 136.4 29.3 2.8 0.4 0.0 100.2 51.2 97.6 * ** ** DK474 R 364 104.5 142.1 24.0 3.0 0.8 0.1 100.2 5.6 97.8 86.4 39.5 0.2 6.2 54.5 1267 95.8 DK485 98.9 140.7 25.9 3.7 1.0 0.1 99.9 5.6 98.7 86.0 41.2 0.0 6.1 53.0 1270 97.1 F 153 ** * ** ** + + ** ** ** ** 103.6 131.4 25.2 2.2 0.4 0.0 99.4 50.9 95.8 96.4 129.2 27.7 2.1 0.5 0.0 98.5 49.6 98.3 ** * ** ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 38 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK642 HY- SI YLD MST STL RTL FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID NTEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK642 R 85 98.7 172.7 19.5 2.1 2.0 0.0 100.3 6.2 102.4 98.5 39.9 1.5 5.5 56.8 1404 114.3 DK636 88.4 163.2 19.6 2.1 3.5 0.0 99.8 5.0 96.0 89.8 42.0 1.0 2.9 59.8 1367 114.6 ** ** + * ** ** ** * ** ** ** + F 24 108.4 157.4 21.2 3.4 0.3 0.3 100.2 53.4 112.9 95.1 144.2 21.2 2.3 1.6 0.2 102.1 55.8 113.3 ** ** ** DK642 R 339 104.9 164.6 19.1 2.5 0.8 0.1 100.4 6.7 103.3 99.4 40.3 1.5 5.3 56.0 1387 113.9 DK646 97.9 159.4 19.5 3.4 1.1 0.1 100.3 6.3 101.5 100.2 41.8 1.3 4.7 56.6 1353 114.6 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** * ** ** ** F 82 103.2 144.9 20.1 3.6 0.3 0.2 101.0 54.4 112.8 97.7 139.9 20.6 2.7 0.5 0.1 99.6 54.8 113.8 ** ** ** + ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 39 HY- N- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID TEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK560 R 396 107.6 145.8 20.5 4.0 1.9 0.1 100.3 5.6 101.0 88.9 42.6 0.8 3.9 52.9 1367 106.0 DK554 99.7 135.9 19.8 4.3 0.7 0.1 100.2 5.5 100.3 86.7 41.0 0.7 3.7 50.1 1314 105.4 ** ** ** ** ** ** * ** ** ** F 154 104.8 128.4 21.6 4.0 1.7 0.3 101.8 53.1 105.2 101.3 123.6 21.8 2.8 0.4 0.3 99.3 51.5 105.3 ** ** ** * ** ** DK560 R 233 108.8 154.6 20.4 4.4 1.9 0.2 100.2 5.5 100.6 88.9 42.4 0.7 4.2 54.4 1343 106.1 DK564 102.7 149.7 20.8 3.7 2.9 0.2 100.3 5.2 100.1 90.9 35.4 1.7 3.9 52.6 1307 106.3 ** ** ** * ** ** ** ** + ** ** F 112 106.4 127.5 20.9 4.4 2.0 0.4 101.5 53.4 105.2 102.2 124.3 21.9 3.2 1.6 0.5 98.9 52.2 106.1 ** ** ** * * ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 40 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK566 HY- N- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID TEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK566 R 285 108.7 144.7 20.9 3.3 2.1 0.1 100.5 5.8 101.8 88.4 41.6 0.6 3.9 50.9 1335 105.8 DK554 100.4 133.7 20.1 3.3 0.7 0.2 100.1 5.7 100.3 86.6 40.8 0.6 3.8 49.0 1319 105.2 ** ** ** ** * + ** ** * ** ** ** F 104 105.2 124.7 23.3 4.6 1.6 0.3 99.3 52.0 105.1 99.8 118.0 23.5 3.5 0.5 0.2 100.7 50.6 105.3 ** ** * ** DK566 R 149 108.7 151.2 20.9 3.3 2.2 0.1 100.5 5.6 101.9 87.9 40.7 0.5 4.3 51.9 1320 105.6 DK564 101.7 145.8 21.4 2.9 3.4 0.2 100.0 5.1 99.8 90.5 35.5 0.9 4.1 51.1 1316 106.0 ** ** ** + + ** ** ** ** + ** F 76 108.5 121.7 21.6 3.7 1.2 0.4 99.3 52.5 105.3 101.0 115.6 22.5 3.1 1.4 0.3 99.1 51.7 106.4 ** ** ** ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

TABLE 41 COMPARATIVE DATA FOR DK626 HY- N- SI YLD MST STL RTL DRP FLSTD SV ELSTD PHT EHT BAR SG TST ESTR BRID TEST % C BU PTS % % % % M RAT % M INCH INCH % RAT LBS FGDU DAYS DK626 R 195 106.3 165.8 19.7 3.7 2.4 0.4 100.1 6.2 101.9 102.0 47.4 1.6 4.8 54.9 1360 111.0 DK623 93.1 150.8 19.9 3.1 0.6 0.1 100.0 5.3 98.0 91.3 39.4 1.4 3.6 55.5 1321 111.5 ** ** * + ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** F 81 108.7 147.3 19.6 4.1 1.4 0.8 100.2 54.6 110.9 99.7 135.8 19.1 3.4 0.4 0.5 100.0 55.3 110.4 ** ** ** * + ** DK626 R 91 104.8 176.5 18.0 3.8 3.9 0.0 100.0 6.1 100.2 101.4 45.2 1.5 4.2 57.8 1402 112.4 DK636 88.5 160.9 19.4 2.1 3.4 0.0 99.8 5.0 96.0 89.9 42.1 1.0 2.9 59.8 1367 114.4 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** F 42 109.3 130.6 18.6 5.1 1.7 0.7 99.8 55.0 110.9 94.0 116.8 20.0 3.5 1.6 0.5 100.4 56.8 113.3 ** ** ** * ** ** Legend Abbreviations SI % C = Selection Index (Percent of Check) YLD BU = Yield (Bushels/Acre) MST PTS = Moisture STL % = Stalk Lodging (Percent) RTL % = Root Lodging (Percent) DRP % = Dropped Ears (Percent) FLSTD % M = Final Stand (Percent of Test Mean) SV RAT = Seedling Vigor Rating ELSTD % M = Early Stand (Percent of Test Mean) PHT INCH = Plant Height (Inches) EHT INCH = Ear Height (Inches) BAR % = Barren Plants (Percent) SG RAT = Staygreen Rating TST LBS = Test Weight (Pounds) FGDU = GDUs to Shed ESTR DAYS = Estimated Relative Maturity (Days) Significance levels are indicated as: + = 10 percent * = 5 percent ** = 1 percent

As can be seen in Table 32 through Table 41, each of the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527 and DK626 have significantly higher yield when compared to several successful commercial hybrids. Significant differences are also shown in Tables 32 through 41 for many other traits.

C. Physical Description of F₁ Hybrids

The present invention also provides F₁ hybrid corn plants derived from the corn plants GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU. Physical characteristics of exemplary hybrids are set forth in Tables 42 through 51. An explanation of terms used in Tables 42 through 51 can be found in the Definitions, set forth hereinabove.

Table 42 concerns DK706, which has GMLEA and 6F905, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 43 concerns DK446, which has 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 44 concerns DK604, which has WDAQ2 and 01IBH2, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 45 concerns DK527, which has 01IBH2 and FBMU, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 46 concerns DK442, which also has 01IBH2 as one inbred parent.

Table 47 concerns DK474, which has 91DFA-5 as one inbred parent. Table 48 concerns DK642, which has WDDQ1 as a parent. Table 49 concerns DK560, which has 85DGD1 as one inbred parent. Table 50 concerns DK566, which has PHEI4 as a parent. Table 51 concerns DK626, which has NL054B as one inbred parent.

TABLE 42 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK706 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.9 Nodes With Brace Roots 2.1 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction ZIGZAG Internode Length cm. 17.6 2. Leaf Angle INTERMEDIATE Number 19.9 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 95.2 Width cm. 11.4 Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Length cm. 44.6 Spike Length cm. 23.8 Peduncle Length cm. 9.7 Attitude OPEN Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 10.2 Anther Color RED Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color PINK Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 18.2 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 46.0 Weight gm. 229.2 Shank Length cm. 10.8 Shank Internode 8.3 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 2.2 Husk opening INTERMEDIATE Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 26.5 Cob Color RED Shelling Percent 88.5 5. Kernel Row Number 17.0 Number Per Row 44.5 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 12.7 Width mm. 8.0 Thickness 4.0 Weight of 1000K gm. 287.5 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 43 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK446 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 18.4 2. Leaf Angle INTERMEDIATE Number 20.1 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 92.4 Width cm. 9.8 Marginal Waves MANY Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 38.4 Spike Length cm. 29.1 Peduncle Length cm. 10.1 Attitude OPEN Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 8.5 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.0 Length cm. 19.9 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 43.5 Weight gm. 186.9 Shank Length cm. 12.6 Shank Internode 5.5 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.1 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 20.6 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 88.8 5. Kernel Row Number 13.4 Number Per Row 46.7 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 11.9 Width mm. 8.7 Thickness 3.9 Weight of 1000K gm. 316.5 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 44 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK604 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.5 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Length cm. 17.3 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 19.8 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 92.3 Width cm. 9.6 Sheath Pubescence HEAVY Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 47.2 Spike Length cm. 28.6 Peduncle Length cm. 15.0 Branch Angle UPRIGHT Branch Number 8.9 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.1 Length cm. 18.1 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 46.2 Weight gm. 195.9 Shank Length cm. 11.3 Shank Internode 6.5 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 0.8 Husk Opening OPEN Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 24.0 Cob Color RED Shelling Percent 89.5 5. Kernel Row Number 17.5 Number Per Row 38.7 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Length (Depth) mm. 13.2 Width mm. 8.1 Thickness 4.2 Weight of 1000K gm. 293.3 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 45 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK527 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.2 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.1 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 18.0 2. Leaf Number 19.6 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 85.2 Width cm. 9.6 Sheath Pubescence MEDIUM Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 31.2 Spike Length cm. 22.2 Peduncle Length cm. 13.9 Attitude COMPACT Branch Number 7.9 Anther Color RED Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Length cm. 19.3 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 45.7 Weight gm. 190.4 Shank Length cm. 11.6 Shank Internode 5.6 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 1.1 Husk Opening OPEN Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 23.8 Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 88.8 5. Kernel Row Number 16.2 Number Per Row 42.0 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Length (Depth) mm. 13.3 Width mm. 7.9 Thickness 3.9 Weight of 1000K gm. 289.5 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 46 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK442 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.6 Anthocyanin ABSENT Brace Root Color — Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 16.8 2. Leaf Number 19.6 Angle INTERMEDIATE Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 81.9 Width cm. 10.2 Sheath Anthocyanin — Sheath Pubescence LIGHT Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 34.8 Spike Length cm. 27.5 Peduncle Length cm. 9.8 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 5.8 Anther Color PINK Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Position UPRIGHT Number Per Stalk 1.1 Length cm. 18.2 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 42.5 Weight gm. 186.9 Shank Length cm. 11.9 Shank Internode No. 5.9 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 1.6 Husk Opening — Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 22.0 Cob Color RED Cob Strength — Shelling Percent 89.3 5. Kernel Row Number 14.4 Number Per Row 39.7 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 13.7 Width mm. 8.0 Thickness 4.0 Weight of 1000K gm. 321.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 47 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK474 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1991, 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.6 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 19.8 2. Leaf Number 18.6 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 89.0 Width cm. 11.0 Marginal Waves MANY Longitudinal Creases FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 39.1 Spike Length cm. 28.8 Peduncle Length cm. 8.3 Branch Number 6.3 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 20.1 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 43.3 Weight gm. 192.5 Shank Length cm. 14.1 Shank Internode 5.2 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 1.8 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 20.9 Cob Color RED Shelling Percent 87.8 5. Kernel Row Number 14.3 Number Per Row 41.2 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 11.8 Width mm. 8.5 Thickness 4.0 Weight of 1000K gm. 307.5 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 48 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK642 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.8 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.6 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction STRAIGHT Internode Length cm. 17.7 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 20.1 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 107.4 Width cm. 11.9 Marginal Waves FEW Longitudinal Creases ABSENT 3. Tassel Length cm. 51.3 Spike Length cm. 30.9 Peduncle Length cm. 11.7 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 5.5 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Length cm. 20.3 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 46.5 Weight gm. 211.3 Shank Length cm. 13.5 Shank Internode 8.8 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.2 Husk Opening OPEN Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 26.5 Cob Color RED Cob Strength WEAK Shelling Percent 90.5 5. Kernel Row Number 18.6 Number Per Row 40.3 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color ORANGE Length (Depth) mm. 13.1 Width mm. 8.0 Thickness 5.0 Weight of 1000K gm. 318.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 49 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK560 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.3 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Length cm. 17.3 2. Leaf Angle UPRIGHT Number 20.4 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 93.6 Width cm. 10.4 Marginal Waves FEW 3. Tassel Length cm. 36.9 Spike Length cm. 27.0 Peduncle Length cm. 10.1 Branch Number 8.4 Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 18.8 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 47.3 Weight gm. 190.8 Shank Length cm. 11.3 Shank Internode 6.9 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 3.5 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 23.7 Cob Color RED Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 88.1 5. Kernel Row Number 17.6 Number Per Row 44.2 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 11.5 Width mm. 7.6 Thickness 3.5 Weight of 1000K gm. 232.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 50 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK566 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.3 Nodes With Brace Roots 1.2 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Length cm. 14.8 2. Leaf Number 20.3 Length cm. 90.4 Width cm. 9.8 3. Tassel Length cm. 29.2 Spike Length cm. 20.8 Peduncle Length cm. 9.1 Branch Number 9.8 Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Number Per Stalk 1.1 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 18.5 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 48.7 Weight gm. 192.1 Shank Length cm. 10.3 Shank Internode 14.8 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 2.2 Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 24.6 Shelling Percent 87.5 5. Kernel Row Number 14.8 Number Per Row 41.5 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Length (Depth) mm. 12.5 Width mm. 9.2 Thickness 3.6 Weight of 1000K gm. 339.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

TABLE 51 MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS FOR THE DK626 PHENOTYPE YEAR OF DATA: 1992, 1993 CHARACTERISTIC VALUE* 1. Stalk Diameter (Width) cm. 2.8 Anthocyanin ABSENT Nodes With Brace Roots 1.3 Brace Root Color GREEN Internode Direction ZIGZAG Internode Length cm. 17.6 2. Leaf Number 19.6 Color DARK GREEN Length cm. 100.3 Width cm. 11.4 3. Tassel Length cm. 47.7 Spike Length cm. 26.8 Peduncle Length cm. 13.1 Attitude COMPACT Branch Angle INTERMEDIATE Branch Number 5.6 Anther Color GREEN-YELLOW Glume Color GREEN Glume Band ABSENT 4. Ear Silk Color GREEN-YELLOW Number Per Stalk 1.0 Position (Attitude) UPRIGHT Length cm. 18.5 Shape SEMI-CONICAL Diameter cm. 47.5 Weight gm. 224.6 Shank Length cm. 10.7 Shank Internode 8.4 Husk Bract SHORT Husk Cover cm. 4.0 Husk Opening OPEN Husk Color Fresh GREEN Husk Color Dry BUFF Cob Diameter cm. 25.5 Cob Color WHITE Cob Strength STRONG Shelling Percent 88.5 5. Kernel Row Number 19.6 Number Per Row 39.7 Row Direction CURVED Type DENT Cap Color YELLOW Side Color DEEP YELLOW Length (Depth) mm. 13.4 Width mm. 7.4 Thickness 4.1 Weight of 1000K gm. 303.0 Endosperm Type NORMAL Endosperm Color YELLOW *These are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention. Substantially equivalent refers to quantitative traits that when compared do not show statistical differences of their means.

XX. Genetic Complements

In another aspect, the present invention provides a genetic complement of a plant of this invention. In one embodiment, therefore, the present invention contemplates an inbred genetic complement of the inbred corn plants designated, separately, GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU. In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a hybrid genetic complement formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement from GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU and another haploid genetic complement. Means for determining a genetic complement are well-known in the art.

As used herein, the phrase “genetic complement” means an aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of a corn plant or a cell or tissue of that plant. By way of example, a corn plant is genotyped to determine the array of the inherited markers it possesses. Markers are alleles at a single locus. They are preferably inherited in codominant fashion so that the presence of both alleles at a diploid locus is readily detectable, and they are free of environmental variation, i.e., their heritability is 1. This genotyping is preferably performed on at least one generation of the descendant plant for which the numerical value of the quantitative trait or traits of interest are also determined. The array of single locus genotypes is expressed as a profile of marker alleles, two at each locus. The marker allelic composition of each locus can be either homozygous or heterozygous. Homozygosity is a condition where both alleles at a locus are characterized by the same nucleotide sequence. Heterozygosity refers to different conditions of the gene at a locus. Markers that are used for purposes of this invention include restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and isozymes.

A plant genetic complement can be defined by a genetic marker profiles that can be considered “fingerprints” of a genetic complement. For purposes of this invention, markers are preferably distributed evenly throughout the genome to increase the likelihood they will be near a quantitative trait loci (QTL) of interest (e.g., in tomatoes, Nienhuis et al., 1987). These profiles are partial projections of a sample of genes. One of the uses of markers in general is to exclude, or alternatively include, potential parents as contributing to offspring.

Phenotypic traits characteristic of the expression of a genetic complement of this invention are distinguishable by electrophoretic separation of DNA sequences cleaved by various restriction endonucleases. Those traits (genetic markers) are termed RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphisms).

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) are genetic differences detectable by DNA fragment lengths, typically revealed by agarose gel electrophoresis, after restriction endonuclease digestion of DNA. There are large numbers of restriction endonucleases available, characterized by their nucleotide cleavage sites and their source, e.g., Eco RI. Variations in RFLPs result from nucleotide base pair differences which alter the cleavage sites of the restriction endonucleases, yielding different sized fragments.

Means for performing RFLP analyses are well known in the art. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses reported herein were conducted by Linkage Genetics. This service is available to the public on a contractual basis. Probes were prepared to the fragment sequences, these probes being complementary to the sequences thereby being capable of hybridizing to them under appropriate conditions well known to those skilled in the art. These probes were labelled with radioactive isotopes or fluorescent dyes for ease of detection. After the fragments were separated by size, they were identified by the probes. Hybridization with a unique cloned sequence permits the identification of a specific chromosomal region (locus). Because all alleles at a locus are detectable, RFLPs are codominant alleles, thereby satisfying a criteria for a genetic marker. They differ from some other types of markers, e.g, from isozymes, in that they reflect the primary DNA sequence, they are not products of transcription or translation. Furthermore, different RFLP genetic marker profiles result from different arrays of restriction endonucleases.

The RFLP genetic marker profile of each of the parental inbreds and exemplary resultant hybrids were determined. Because an inbred is essentially homozygous at all relevant loci, an inbred should, in almost all cases, have only one allele at each locus. In contrast, a diploid genetic marker profile of a hybrid should be the sum of those parents, e.g., if one inbred parent had the allele A at a particular locus, and the other inbred parent had B, the hybrid is AB by inference.

RFLP genetic marker profiles of GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU, are is presented in Tables 52 through 63.

TABLE 52 RFLP PROFILE OF GMLEA *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H F M0306H C M0445E D M0B304E B M1120S B M1236H B M1238H F M1401E B M1406H A M1447H A M1B725E B M2239H D M2297H D M2298E B M2402H D M3212S A M3247E D M3257S A M3296H A M3446S B M3B815H C M4386H B M4396E A M4444H D M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S E M5213S A M5288S B M5295E C M5408H A M5409H C M5579S B M5UMC95H C M6223E C M6252H A M6280H F M6373E A M7263E B M7391H A M7392S B M7455H B M8107S E M8110S D M8114E E M8268H A M8438E A M8585H B M8B2369S D M8UMC48E D M9209E A M9211E A M9266S G M9B713S B M9BZE B M9WAXE A M2UMC34H B M6UMC85H C M9UMC94H A M3UM121X E *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 53 RFLP PROFILE OF 6F905 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M1120S C M1234H E M1238H A M1401E B M1406H B M1447H A M1B725E C M2239H G M2297H C M2298E C M2402H E M3212S B M3247E B M3257S C M3296H C M3432H H M3446S B M3457E F M4386H B M4396E A M4444H B M4451H C M4UMC19H B M4UMC31E B M4UMC31S D M5213S A M5288S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H A M5579S B M6223E C M6280H G M6373E E M7263E C M7391H A M7392S C M7455H B M8107S C M8110S D M8114E C M8268H B M8585H F M8B2369S B M8UMC48E A M9209E A M9211E C M9266S F M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H C M3UM121X F MOUMC130 G *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 54 RFLP PROFILE OF 91CSV-1 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H F M0445E D MOB304E D M1120S D M1236H A M1238H E M1401E A M1406H A M1447H A M1B725E C M2239H D M2298E B M2402H D M3212S A M3257S A M3296H C M3432H D M4386H B M4396E B M4444H A M4451H B M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S E M5213S A M5288S B M5295E C M5409H C M5579S A M5UMC95H B M6223E D M6252H A M6373E D M7263E C M7391H A M7392S C M7455H B M8107S D M8110S A M8114E H M8268H C M8438E B M8585H B M8B2369S D M8UMC48E C M9209E A M9211E A M9266S G M9B713S A M9BZE B M9WAXE A *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 55 RFLP PROFILE OF 91DFA-5 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H G M0306H A M0445E B M1234H E M1238H F M1406H B M1447H B M1B725E B M2239H C M2297H A M2402H E M3212S B M3247E D M3257S B M3296H A M3446S F M3B815H B M4386H D M4396E A M4444H B M4451H B M4UMC19H B M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S A M5213S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H C M6223E C M6280H B M6373E A M7263E A M7391H A M7392S C M7455H C M8110S A M8268H B M8585H A M8B2369S B M8UMC48E C M9209E A M9266S C M9BZE A M9WAXE G *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 56 RFLP PROFILE OF WDAQ2 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0306H A M1120S B M1234H B M1236H AC M1238H F M1406H B M1447H B M1B725E F M2239H D M2297H A M2298E C M2402H E M3212S B M3247E D M3257S B M3296H A M3432H F M3446S F M3B815H D M4386H D M4396E A M4444H A M4451H B M4UMC19H B M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S A M5213S A M5288S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H A M5579S C M5UMC95H A M6223E C M6252H A M6280H A M7263E A M7391H A M7392S C M7455H B M8110S C M8114E B M8268H B M8585H D M8B2369S B M8UMC48E A M9209E A M9266S A M9B713S A M9BZE B M9WAXE G M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H B M3UM121X C MOUMC130 A *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 57 RFLP PROFILE OF WDDQ1 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H G M0306H A M0445E BC M0B304E D M1234H D M1236H A M1238H F M1401E A M1406H B M1447H B M1B725E B M2239H G M2297H A M2298E B M2402H E M3212S B M3247E B M3257S C M3296H F M3446S F M3B815H B M4386H B M4396E H M4444H B M4451H B M4UMC19H B M4UMC31E B M4UMC31S D M5213S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H A M5579S C M5UMC95H A M6223E C M6252H E M6280H B M6373E E M7263E A M7391H C M7392S C M7455H A M8110S C M8114E B M8268H J M8438E A M8585H A M8B2369S D M8UMC48E A M9209E C M9211E C M9266S A M9B713S A M9BZE B M9WAXE A M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H B M3UMC121X C MOUMC130 H *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 58 RFLP PROFILE OF 85DGD1 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0445E BC MOB304E A M1120S B M1234H D M1236H A M1238H F M1401E A M1406H A M1447H B M1B725E B M2239H G M2297H A M2298E B M3212S B M3257S C M3296H A M3432H GH M3446S F M3457E F M3B815H B M4396E A M4UMC19H B M5213S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H C M6223E C M6252H E M6280H B M6373E E M7263E C M7392S C M8110S C M8114E B M8268H B M8438E A M8585H A M8UMC48E A M9209E A M9211E C M9266S A M9B713S A M9BZE B M9WAXE B M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H B M3UMC121X C MOUMC130 H *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 59 RFLP PROFILE OF PHEI4 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H E M0306H A M0445E D MOB304E C M1120S E M1234H A M1236H C M1238H E M1401E A M1406H B M1447H A M1B725E B M2239H A M2297H E M2298E C M3212S C M3247E D M3257S B M3296H E M3432H DF M3446S C M3457E E M3B815H B M4386H I M4396E H M4451H B M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E CD M5213S B M5288S AG M5295E C M5408H A M5409H C M5579S B M5UMC95H B M6223E B M6252H A M6280H G M6373E A M7263E B M7391H C M7392S B M7455H A M8107S D M8110S A M8114E B M8268H K M8438E B M8585H A M8B2369S D M8UMC48E C M9209E A M9211E C M9266S A M9B713S A M9BZE A M9WAXE B M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H F M3UMC121X C MOUMC130 C *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 60 RFLP PROFILE OF 01ASB1 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0306H E M0445E B M1234H D M1238H A M1401E A M1406H A M1447H B M2239H C M2297H A M2402H E M3212S B M3247E B M3257S C M3296H C M3446S B M3457E E M4386H A M4396E A M4444H B M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S A M5213S A M5288S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H C M5579S A M5UMC95H A M6223E B M6252H E M6280H B M6373E G M7263E C M7391H C M7392S C M8110S C M8114E D M8268H B M8585H A M8B2369S B M8UMC48E A M9209E C M9211E G M9266S H M9B713S A M2UMC34H D M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H B M3UMC121X C MOUMC130 H *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 61 RFLP PROFILE OF 01IBH2 *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H H M0306H A M1120S C M1234H I M1236H AC M1238H E M1406H B M1447H A M1B72S F M2239H D M2297H B M2298E C M2402H C M3212S A M3247E B M3257S A M3296H E M3446S C M3457E E M4386H D M4396E H M4444H A M4451H B M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E B M4UMC31S D M5213S A M5288S B M5295E A M5408H A M5409H C M5579S A M5UMC95H B M6223E C M6252H A M6280H G M6373E E M7263E A M7391H A M7392S B M7455H B M8107S D M8110S A M8114E F M8268H K M8585H B M8B2369S D M9209E A M9211E C M9266S B M9B713S A M2UMC34H D M6UMC85H C M9UMC94H E M3UMC121X A MOUMC130 C *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 62 RFLP PROFILE OF NL054E *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H G M0306H A M0445E B M1234H D M1236H AC M1238H F M1401E C M1406H A M1447H B M1B725E B M2239H C M2297H A M2298E C M2402H E M3212S B M3247E D M3257S C M3296H A M3432H H M3B815H B M4386H D M4396E H M4444H B M4UMC19H B M4UMC31E C M4UMC31S A M5213S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H A M5UMC95H A M6223E C M6252H E M6280H B M6373E J M7263E A M7391H A M7392S C M7455H A M8110S C M8114E B M8268H B M8585H A M8B2369S B M8UMC48E A M9209E A M9211E G M9B713S AB M9BZE A M9WAXE B M2UMC34H E M6UMC85H A M9UMC94H B M3UMC121X C MOUMC130 H *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 63 RFLP PROFILE OF FBMU *Probe/Enzyme Combination M0264H G M0306H B M0445E B M0B304E A M1120S F M1234H D M1236H A M1238H F M1401E C M1406H A M1447H B M1B72S C M2239H C M2297H A M2298E B M2402H E M3212S B M3247E B M3257S B M3432H I M3446S B M3457E E M3B815H B M4386H B M4396E H M4444H B M4451H B M4UMC19H A M4UMC31E B M4UMC31S D M5213S C M5288S A M5295E D M5408H A M5409H A M5579S B M5UMC95H A M6223E B M6252H D M6280H E M6373E G M7263E A M7391H C M7392S C M7455H A M8110S B M8114E D M8268H B M8438E A M8585H A M8B2369S D M8UMC48E C M9209E C M9211E G M9266S H M9B713S A M9BZE A M9WAXE A *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

Another aspect of this invention is a plant genetic complement characterized by a genetic isozyme typing profile. Isozymes are forms of proteins that are distinguishable, for example, on starch gel electrophoresis, usually by charge and/or molecular weight. The techniques and nomenclature for isozyme analysis are described in, Stuber et al. (1988), which is incorporated by reference.

A standard set of loci can be used as a reference set. Comparative analysis of these loci is used to compare the purity of hybrid seeds, to assess the increased variability in hybrids compared to inbreds, and to determine the identity of seeds, plants, and plant parts. In this respect, an isozyme reference set can be used to develop genotypic “fingerprints.”

Tables 64 through 75 list the identifying numbers of the alleles at isozyme loci types. Tables 64 through 75 represent the exemplary genetic isozyme typing profiles for GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B and FBMU, respectively.

TABLE 64 ISOZYME PROFILE OP GMLEA LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 6 Mdh-1  6* Mdh-2 6 Mdh-3 16  Mdh-4 12  Mdh-5 12  6-Pgd-1 2 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 12 *Allele is probably a 6, but null cannot be ruled out.

TABLE 65 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 6F905 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 66 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 91CSV-1 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 3 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1  6* Mdh-2 6 Mdh-3 16  Mdh-4 12  Mdh-5 12  6-Pgd-1   3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 18 *Allele is probably a 6, but null cannot be ruled out.

TABLE 67 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 91DFA-5 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 — Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 68 ISOZYME PROFILE OF WDAQ2 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 2 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 6 Mdh-1  6* Mdh-2 6 Mdh-3 16  Mdh-4 12  Mdh-5 12  6-Pgd-1 NS** 6-Pgd-2 NS** Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 18 *Allele is probably a 6, but null cannot be ruled out. **NS - enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 69 ISOZYME PROFILE OF WDDQ1 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 2 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 70 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 85DGD1 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 — Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 71 ISOZYME PROFILE OF PHEI4 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 72 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 01ASB1 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 5 # of seeds analyzed: 6

TABLE 73 ISOZYME PROFILE OF 01IBH2 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 NS* Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 NS* Mdh-3 16  Mdh-4 12  Mdh-5 12  6-Pgd-1   3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 12 *NS - enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 74 ISOZYME PROFILE OF NL054B LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 NS* Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2   3.5 Mdh-3 16  Mdh-4 12  Mdh-5 12  6-Pgd-1 2 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6 *NS - enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 75 ISOZYME PROFILE OF FBMU LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 # of seeds analyzed: 6

The present invention also contemplates a hybrid genetic complement formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of the corn plant GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU, with a haploid genetic complement of a second corn plant. Means for combining a haploid genetic complement from any of the foregoing inbreds with another haploid genetic complement can be any method hereinbefore for producing a hybrid plant from GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU. It is also contemplated that a hybrid genetic complement can be prepared using in vitro regeneration of a tissue culture of a hybrid plant of this invention.

A hybrid genetic complement contained in the seed of a hybrid derived from GMLEA, 6F905, 91CSV-1, 91DFA-5, WDAQ2, WDDQ1, 85DGD1, PHEI4, 01ASB1, 01IBH2, NL054B or FBMU is a further aspect of this invention. Exemplary hybrid genetic complements are the genetic complements of the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK474, DK642, DK604, DK560, DK566, DK442, DK527 and DK626.

Tables 76 through 85 show the identifying numbers of the alleles for the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK604, DK527, DK442, DK474, DK642, DK560, DK566, and DK626, which are exemplary RFLP genetic marker profiles for hybrids derived from the inbreds of the present invention.

Table 76 concerns DK706, which has GMLEA and 6F905, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 77 concerns DK446, which has 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 78 concerns DK604, which has WDAQ2 and 01IBH2, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 79 concerns DK527, which has 01IBH2 and FBMU, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 80 concerns DK442, which also has 01IBH2 as one inbred parent.

Table 81 concerns DK474, which has 91DFA-5 as one inbred parent. Table 82 concerns DK642, which has WDDQ1 as a parent. Table 83 concerns DK560, which has 85DGD1 as one inbred parent. Table 84 concerns DK566, which has PHEI4 as a parent. Table 85 concerns DK626, which has NL054B as one inbred parent.

TABLE 76 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK706 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M1120S BC M1238H AF M1401E BB M1406H AB M1447H AA M1B725E BC M2239H DG M2297H CD M2298E BC M2402H DE M3212S AB M3247E BD M3257S AC M3296H AC M3446S BB M4386H BB M4396E AA M4444H BD M4UMC19H AB M4UMC31E BC M4UMC31S DE M5213S AA M5288S AB M5295E CD M5408H AA M5409H AC M5579S BB M6223E CC M6280H FG M6373E AE M7263E BC M7391H AA M7392S BC M7455H BB M8107S CE M8110S DD M8114E CE M8268H AB M8585H BF M8B2369S BD M8UMC48E AD M9209E AA M9211E AC M9266S FG M2UMC34H BE M6UMC85H AC M9UMC94H AC M3UM121X EF *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 77 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK446 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0445E BD N1238H AE N1401E AA N1406H AA M1447H AB N2239H CD M2402H DE M3212S AB M3257S AC N3296H CC M4386H AB M4396E AB N4444H AB N4UMC19H AA N4UMC31E CC M4UMC31S AE M5213S AA N5288S AB N5295E CD N5409H CC N5579S AA N5UMC95H AB N6223E BD N6252H AE M6373E DG N7263E CC N7391H AC M7392S CC N8110S AC M8114E DH M8268H BC M8585H AB M8B2369S BD M8UMC48E AC M9209E AC M9211E AG M9266S GH M9B713S AA *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 78 RPLP PROFILE FOR DK604 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0306H AA M1120S BC M1234H BI M1236H AC M1238H EF M1406H BB M144711 AB M1B725E FF M2239H DD M2297H AB M2298E CC M2402H CE M3212S AB M3247E BD M3257S AB M3296H AE M3446S CF M3B815H DD M4396E AH M4444H AA M4451H BB M4UMC19H AB M4UMC31E BC M4UMC31S AD M5213S AA M5295E AD M5408H AA M5409H AC M5579S AC M5UMC95H AB M6223E CC M6252H AA M6280H AG M7263E AA M7391H AA M7392S BC M7455H BB M8110S AC M8114E BF M8268H BK M8585H BD M8B2369S BD M9209E AA M9266S AB M9B713S AA M9BZE BB M9WAXE BG M2UMC3411 DE M6UMC85H AC M9UMC94H BE M3UM121X AC MOUMC130 AC *Probes used to detect RFLPs are trom Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

TABLE 79 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK527 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0264H GH M0306H AB M0445E ABC M1120S CF M1234H DI M1236H AAC M1238H EF M1406H AB M1447H AB M1B725E CF M2239H CD M2297H AB M2298E BC M2402H CE M3212S AB M3247E BB M3257S AB M3446S BC M3457E EE M3B815H BD M4396E HH M4444H AB M4451H BB M4UMC19H AA M4UMC31E BB M4UMC31S DD M5213S AC M5295E AD M5408H AA M5409H AC M5579S AB M5UMC95H AB M6223E BC M6252H AD M6280H EG M6373E EG M7263E AA M7391H AC M7392S BC M7455H AB M8110S AB M8114E DF M8268H BK M8438E AB M8585H AB M8B2369S DD M9209E AC M9211E CG M9266S BH M9B713S AA M9BZE AB M9WAXE AB *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 80 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK442 Allelic Pair *Probe/Enzyme Combinatian DK442 M0264H HL M0306H AE M0445E ABC M1120S CD M1234H EI M1236H AAC M1238H AE M1406H BB M1447H AE M1B725E — M2239H — M2297H BC M2298E — M2402H CE M3212S AA M3247E BB M3257S — M3296H DE M3446S CF M3457E EE M3B815H DD M4396E FH M4444H AA M4451H BB M4UMC19H AA M4UMC31E — M4UMC31S BD M5213S AB M5295E AD M5408H AA M5409H AC M5579S AC M5UMC95H — M6223E — M6252H AE M6280H AG M6373E AE M7263E AA M739111 AA M7392S BB M7455H BC M8110S AD M8114E EF M8268H BK M8438E AB M8585H BB M8B2369S DD M9209E AA M9211E — M9266S — M9B713S AB M9BZE — M9WAXE AB M2UNC34H — M6UMC85H — M9UMC94H — M3UM121X — MOUMC130 — *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 81 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK474 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0264H FG M0306H AC M0445E BD M1234H AE M1238H FF M1406H AB M1447H BB M1B725E BH M2297H AD M2402H DE M3296H AC M3B815H BC M4386H BD M4396E AB M4444H AB M4451H BB M4UMC19H AB M4UMC31E CC M5213S AA M5295E CD M5408H AA M5409H CC M6223E CC M6280H BF M6373E AD M7263E AC M7391H AA M7455H BC M8110S AA M8268H BC M9209E AA M9BZE AB M9WAXE AG *Probes used ta detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 82 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK642 *Probe/Enzyme Combinatian Allelic Pair M0264H FG M0306H AC M1234H AD M1238H FF M1401E AA M1406H AB M1447H AB M1B725E BB M2297H AD M2298E BB M2402H DE M3296H AF M3B815H BD M438611 BB M4396E BH M4444H AB M4451H AB M4UMC19H BC M4UMC31E BC M5213S AB M5295E CD M540911 AC M5UMC9511 AC M6223E CC M6252H AE M6280H BI M6373E AE M7391H AC M7455H AB M8110S AC M8114E BD M8268H BJ M8438E AD M8UMC48E AC M9209E AC M9211E AC M9B713S AB M9BZE BB M9WAXE AA *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 83 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK560 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0445E BCD MOB304E AC M1234H ADE M1236H AA M1238H EF M1401E AA M1406H AB M1447H BB M2239H AG M2297H AC M2298E BC M3212S BC M3257S BC M3432H FGH M3B815H BB M4396E AH M5213S AB M5295E CD M5408H AA M5409H CC M6223E CC M6252H AE M6373E AE M7263E BC M7392S BC M8110S CC M8114E BE M8438E AB M8585H AD M8UMC48E AC M9209E AA M9211E CC M9266S AC M9B713S AB M9BZE AB M9WAXE BG M2UMC34H EE M6UMC85H AA M9UMC94H BB M3UMC121X CC MOUMC130 AH *Probes used to detect RFLPs are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 84 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK566 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0264H EG M0306H AA M0445E BD M1120S BE M1234H AK M1238H AE M1401E AC M1406H AB M1447H AD M1B725E BC M2297H AE M2298E BC M3296H AE M3432H DFI M3457E EE M3B815H BB M4386H BI M4396E HH M4451H BB M4UMC19H AA M5213S AB M5295E CD M5408H AA M5409H CC M5UMC95H AB M6223E BC M6252H AE M6280H DG M6373E AE M7263E BC M7391H CC M7455H AA M8107S DF M8110S AC M8114E BB M8268H BK M8438E AB M8UMC48E CC M9209E AC M9211E CC M9B713S AA M9BZE AB M9WAXE AB *Probes used to detect RFLPS are from Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

TABLE 85 RFLP PROFILE FOR DK626 *Probe/Enzyme Combination Allelic Pair M0264H FG M0306H AC M0445E BD M1234H AD M1238H FF M1401E AC M1406H AA M1447H AB M1B725E BB M2297H AD M2298E BC M2402H DE M3296H AA M3B815H BD M4386H BD M4396E BH M4444H AB M4UMC19H BC M4UMC31E CC M5213S AB M5295E CD M5409H AC M5UMC95H AC M6223E CC M6252H AE M6280H BI M6373E AJ M7391H AA M7455H AB M8110S AC M8114E BD M8268H BB M8UMC48E AC M9209E AA M9211E AG M9BZE AB M9WAXE AB *Probes used to detect RFLPs are trom Linkage Genetics, 1515 West 2200 South, Suite C, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.

The exemplary hybrid genetic complements of hybrids DK706, DK446, DK604, DK527, DK442, DK474, DK642, DK560, DK566, and DK626, may also be assessed by genetic isozyme typing profiles using a standard set of loci as a reference set, using, e.g., the same, or a different, set of loci to those described above. Tables 86 through 95 list the identifying numbers of the alleles at isozyme loci types and present the exemplary genetic isozyme typing profiles for the hybrids DK706, DK446, DK604, DK527, DK442, DK474, DK642, DK560, DK566, and DK626, which are exemplary hybrids derived from the inbreds of the present invention.

Table 86 concerns DK706, which has GMLEA and 6F905, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 87 concerns DK446, which has 91CSV-1 and 01ASB1, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 88 concerns DK604, which has WDAQ2 and 01IBH2, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 89 concerns DK527, which has 01IBH2 and FBMU, both inbreds of the invention, as parents. Table 90 concerns DK442, which also has 01IBH2 as one inbred parent.

Table 91 concerns DK474, which has 91DFA-5 as one inbred parent. Table 92 concerns DK642, which has WDDQ1 as a parent. Table 93 concerns DK560, which has 85DGD1 as one inbred parent. Table 94 concerns DK566, which has PHEI4 as a parent. Table 95 concerns DK626, which has NL054B as one inbred parent.

TABLE 86 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK706 ISOZYME ALLELE LOCUS Acph-1 2/4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4/6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 2/3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4

TABLE 87 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK446 ISOZYME ALLELE LOCUS Acph-1 2/3 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4/5

TABLE 88 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK604 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2/4 Adh-1  4 Cat-3  9 Got-1  4 Got-2 2/4 Got-3  4 Idh-1  4 Idh-2 NS* Mdh-1  6 Mdh-2 NS* Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 NS* 6-Pgd-2 NS* Pgm-1  9 Pgm-2  4 Phi-1  4 *NS - enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 89 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK527 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 NS* Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 NS* Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 *Enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 90 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK442 ISOZYME ALLELES LOCUS DK442 Acph-1  2 Adh-1  4 Cat-3  9 Got-1  4 Got-2  4 Got-3  4 Idh-1  4 Idh-2 4/6 Mdh-1  6 Ndh-2 3/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2  5 Pgm-1  9 Pgm-2  4 Phi-1  4 *Enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 91 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK474 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1  3/4 Adh-1  4 Cat-3  9 Got-1  4 Got-2  4 Got-3  4 Idh-1  4 Idh-2  4 Mdh-1 — Ndh-2 3.5/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2  5 Pgm-1  9 Pgm-2  4 Phi-1  4

TABLE 92 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK642 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2/4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 2/4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4/6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 2/3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4

TABLE 93 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK560 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2/2; 2/4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 NS* Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4/6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 *NS - Enzyme system was not scorable.

TABLE 94 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK566 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 4 Idh-1 4 Idh-2 6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 3.8 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4

TABLE 95 ISOZYME GENOTYPE FOR HYBRID DK626 LOCUS ISOZYME ALLELE Acph-1 2/4 Adh-1 4 Cat-3 9 Got-1 4 Got-2 4 Got-3 NS* Idh-1 4 Idh-2 4/6 Mdh-1 6 Mdh-2 3.5/6 Mdh-3 16 Mdh-4 12 Mdh-5 12 6-Pgd-1 2 6-Pgd-2 5 Pgm-1 9 Pgm-2 4 Phi-1 4 *NS - enzyme system was not scorable.

All of the compositions and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations, changes, modifications and alterations may be applied to the composition, methods, and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein, without departing from the true concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents that are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

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Conger et al., “Somatic Embryogenesis from Cultured Leaf Segments of Zea Mays,” Plant Cell Reports, 6:345-347, 1987.

Duncan et al., “The Production of Callus Capable of Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryos of Numerous Zea Mays Genotypes,” Planta, 165:322-332, 1985.

Fehr (ed.), Principles of Cultivar Development, Vol. 1: Theory and Technique, pp. 360-376, 1987.

Gaillard et al., “Optimization of Maize Microspore Isolation and Culture Condition for Reliable Plant Regeneration,” Plant Cell Reports, 10(2):55, 1991.

Gordon-Kamm et al., “Transformation of Maize Cells and Regeneration of Fertile Transgenic Plants,” The Plant Cell, 6:603-618, 1990.

Green & Rhodes, “Plant Regeneration in Tissue Cultures of Maize,” Maize for Biological Research, Plant Molecular Biology Association, pp. 367-372, 1982.

Jensen, “Chromosome Doubling Techniques in Haploids,” Haploids and Higher Plants—Advances and Potentials, Proceedings of the First International Symposium, University of Guelph, Jun. 10-14, 1974.

Nienhuis et al., “Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of Loci Associated with Insect Resistance in Tomato,” Crop Science, 27:797-803, 1987.

Pace et al., “Anther Culture of Maize and the Visualization of Embryogenic Microspores by Fluorescent Microscopy,” Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 73:863-869, 1987.

Poehlman & Sleper (eds), Breeding Field Crops, 4th Ed., pp. 172-175, 1995.

Rao et al., “Somatic Embryogenesis in Glume Callus Cultures,” Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter, Vol. 60, 1986.

Songstad et al. “Effect of 1-Aminocyclopropate-1-Carboxylic Acid, Silver Nitrate, and Norbornadiene on Plant Regeneration from Maize Callus Cultures,” Plant Cell Reports, 7:262-265, 1988.

Stuber et al., “Techniques and scoring procedures for starch gel electrophoresis of enzymes of maize C. Zea mays, L.,” Tech. Bull., N. Carolina Agric. Res. Serv., Vol. 286, 1988.

Wan et al., “Efficient Production of Doubled Haploid Plants Through Colchicine Treatment of Anther-Derived Maize Callus,” Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 77:889-892, 1989. 

What is claimed is:
 1. The inbred corn seed designated NL054B, a sample of said corn seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 2. The inbred corn seed of claim 1, further defined as an essentially homogeneous population of inbred corn seed designated NL054B, a sample of said corn seed designated NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 3. The inbred corn seed of claim 1, further defined as essentially free from hybrid seed.
 4. A corn plant produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 5. Pollen of the plant of claim
 4. 6. An ovule of the plant of claim
 4. 7. An essentially homogeneous population of corn plants produced by growing the seed of claim
 1. 8. A corn plant having all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the inbred corn plant NL054B, a sample of the seed of said inbred corn plant NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 9. The corn plant of claim 8, further comprising a cytoplasmic factor conferring male sterility.
 10. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of inbred corn plant NL054B, wherein the tissue regenerates plants having all of the physiological and morphological characteristic of corn plant NL054B, a sample of the seed of said corn plant NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 11. The tissue culture of claim 10, wherein the regenerable cells are embryos, meristematic cells, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, silk, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks, stalks, or protoplasts therefrom.
 12. A corn plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim 10, having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of corn plant NL054B, a sample of the seed of said inbred corn plant NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 13. An inbred corn plant cell of the corn plant of claim 4 having: (a) an RFLP genetic marker profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table 62; or (b) a genetic isozyme typing profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table
 74. 14. The inbred corn plant cell of claim 13, having an RFLP genetic marker profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table
 62. 15. The inbred corn plant cell of claim 13, having a genetic isozyme typing profile in accordance with the profile shown in Table
 74. 16. The inbred corn plant cell of claim 13, having an RFLP genetic marker profile and a genetic isozyme typing profile in accordance with the profiles shown in Tables 62 and
 74. 17. The inbred corn plant cell of claim 13, located within a corn plant or seed.
 18. A process of preparing corn seed, comprising crossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plant, wherein said first or second corn plant is the inbred corn plant NL054B, a sample of the seed of said inbred corn plant NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 19. The process of claim 18, further defined as a process of preparing hybrid corn seed, comprising crossing a first inbred corn plant with a second, distinct inbred corn plant, wherein said first or second inbred corn plant is the inbred corn plant NL054B, a sample of the seed of said inbred corn plant NL054B having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-3679.
 20. The process of claim 19, wherein crossing comprises the steps of: (a) planting in pollinating proximity seeds of said first and second inbred corn plants; (b) cultivating the seeds of said first and second inbred corn plants into plants that bear flowers; (c) emasculating the male flowers of said first or second inbred corn plant to produce an emasculated corn plant; (d) allowing cross-pollination to occur between said first and second inbred corn plants; and (e) harvesting seeds produced on said emasculated corn plant.
 21. The process of claim 20, further comprising growing said harvested seed to produce a hybrid corn plant.
 22. Hybrid corn seed produced by the process of claim
 19. 23. A hybrid corn plant produced by the process of claim
 21. 24. The hybrid corn plant of claim 23, wherein the plant is a first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plant.
 25. The corn plant of claim 8, further comprising a single gene conversion.
 26. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene is a dominant allele.
 27. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene is a recessive allele.
 28. The single gene conversion corn plant of claim 25, where the gene confers herbicide resistance.
 29. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene confers insect resistance.
 30. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene confers resistance to bacterial, fungal, or viral disease.
 31. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene confers male fertility.
 32. The single gene conversion of the corn plant of claim 25, where the gene confers waxy starch. 